A FOURTEEN-year-old boy, who only picked up a guitar a year ago, has been named winner of the Mercury Talent Show 2017.

Connor Rhys Adams, from Pembroke Dock, captivated judges and audience alike with his unbelievable voice at last night's grand final in Milford Haven.

The teenager sang and played guitar to one of his own compositions, written from the perspective of a soldier.

The moving lyrics showed wisdom beyond his years, and his confidence on stage was a wonder to watch.

Earning almost perfect marks across the board, Connor was a clear choice for first place.

Accepting his prize of £100 on stage, a humbled Connor was joined by his younger sister, and thanked organisers and audience members alike for their support.

After treating the audience to another performance, Connor then blew organisers away when he handed over half of his prize money to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Said Connor: "If it wasn't for Paul Sartori, this competition wouldn't have happened, and I wouldn't have had a chance to take part."

Paul Sartori will benefit to the tune of at least £3,200 following three weeks of live shows, and several raffles.

The shows, organised by the Milford Mercury, were sponsored by Milford News/Best One, Todaro's, the Port of Milford Haven, Rhyall Engineering, TFL Neyland, and Tesco Milford Haven.

Coming second at the Pill Social Centre on Friday (October 27) were the Llewellin Brothers of Clarbeston Road, who earned a £50 prize, and in third place was On Your Toes School of Dancing, who took home £25.

Milford Mercury: Llewellin Brothers. PICTURE: Behind the Lens MediaLlewellin Brothers. PICTURE: Behind the Lens Media

Milford Mercury: On Your Toes School of Dancing. PICTURE: Behind the Lens MediaOn Your Toes School of Dancing. PICTURE: Behind the Lens Media

Also performing in the final were Pat Farrar, Kiah Linsday, Jaycee Jones, FF Dancers, Milford Haven Gymnastics Club, Milford Haven Junior Town Band, Tom Davies, Faith Foster and Niamh Macphail.

Milford Mercury: PICTURE: Behind the Lens MediaPICTURE: Behind the Lens Media

Compere for all the shows was Geraint Sayers, who once again got stuck in, even performing a cartwheel on stage.

Judges for the grand final were Viv Barrat, Mayor of Milford Haven Cllr Colin Sharp, Victoria Tansey and Sam Hardy.

Milford Mercury: PICTURE: Behind the Lens MediaPICTURE: Behind the Lens Media

The format was based on the original Mercury Talent Shows - the idea of Mercury nostalgia writer and lifelong fundraiser Jeff Dunn - which raised more than £10,000 for charity over several seasons.

The Mercury would like to thank everyone who attended, volunteered or donated, and an extra big thanks to Wayne Morse and Tom Wolsey of EPS Productions, Tim Hughes of Behind the Lens Media, and Rowan Bailey of BM Visuals.

Full story and photos in Thursday's Mercury, just 30p.