Three 11-year-old members of a comedy variety act have been voted as the island’s Next Big Thing, at the finals of a junior talent show organised by Junior Achievement Isle of Man.

Zed, featuring Zac Colligan, David Livsey and Ethan Whyley, took home the £500 top prize, sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet, after wowing the judges and audience at a packed Gaiety Theatre on Saturday night with their original song, dance and comedy routine, devised and choreographed by themselves.

Runner-up was 10-year-old Kasia Ashton, described as a ’singer with a confidence and stage presence well beyond her years’, who won £250 sponsored by Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd.

Dance group Infinity, who performed a stunning routine of contemporary dance combined with breath-taking gymnastics, took the third place prize of £150, sponsored by the Platform Theatre School.

The show, which was hosted by James Turpin, saw different 13 acts take part, including singers, a rock band and dancers.

Also appearing was last year’s winner, magician Giles Beaumont, who gave a speech about how winning last year has inspired him.

Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook said the level of talent on the Isle of Man continues to amaze her.

’This is the seventh year of the Next Big Thing grand final and every year I never cease to be amazed at not only the amazing talent there is in the island, but also the sheer dedication and hard work of all the contestants and the tremendous support from their families, friends, coaches and schools,’ said Sue.

’Giles spoke about being "inspired" after taking part in the Next Big Thing last year and I hope that the truly amazing acts we’ve seen this year will inspire more young people to enter for next year’s competition and experience the "magic" of appearing on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre.’