A talent show star swapped the stage for the judging panel to help school pupils get their first taste of performing in front of a big audience.

Jolan, who finished runner-up on The Voice earlier this year, headed up the judging panel at Nelson Thomlinson School's first ever NTX-Factor contest.

Eight acts from the Wigton school took to the stage for the chance to be the first ever NTX-Factor champion - and help raise money for two good causes.

Cash will be split half-and-half between Wigton Amateur Boxing Club and St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School.

Both groups have endured struggles in recent times.

The boxing club had funding and volunteer problems which emerged over the summer and the school was vandalised just weeks after pupils returned for the new term in September.

Tim Eyrl, who works in Nelson Thomlinson's music department, used the X-Factor concept as a way of raising some money and giving some of the school's aspiring musicians a platform to show off their talents.

The school has a long tradition of holding "rock nights" - but Mr Eyrl wanted the new event to be for all types of music.

Fellow pupils, parents and members of the public packed out the school hall for the highly-successful event.

It was won by band Absolute Zero made up of sixth-formers Sam Warwick, 18, Glenn Russell, 17, Daniel Edgar, 18 and Toby Cass, 13.

Making up the top three were singers Adam Cunningham and Gemma Bell.

Speaking after the event, Jolan said: "I absolutely love it.

"It's quite weird being on the other side, I don't feel as though I should be giving out advice yet.

"It was a great standard.

"It's nice to see upcoming talent, especially from Cumbria.

"The county can get forgotten a lot so it's great to see local talent performing."

As well as Jolan, the judging panel included Paul Radcliffe, from Wigton Boxing Club, and The Cumberland News' Wigton reporter Jonny Irving.