THE Little Vic in Gloucester Street was almost bursting at the seams on Friday as friends and family turned out for the SNJ’s S Factor. The annual talent show which is held on Goodwill Evening attracted singers and musicians from far and wide this year. Entertainment kicked off at 5pm with 17 acts hoping to win the coveted trophy and £100 first prize. Judges Brian Cook, Newsquest Gloucestershire promotions manager, SNJ editor Sue Smith, Stroud Fringe talent scout Jack Wetson and last year’s S Factor winner Katie Smith had the hard task of choosing the three best acts. All judges agreed that the standard of entry among the contestants this year was extremely high and sifting out just three winners was an unenviable job. There were three guitarists in the show, a rap artist, a father and son drumming act and singers ranging in age from nine to 23. Abbey Lea Drew from Cirencester was ultimately singled out as the winner for her rendition of Beyonce’s Ava Maria. Abbey who celebrated her 15th birthday just two days after S Factor is becoming well known as a performer on the Gloucestershire arts circuit. She had arrived at auditions earlier in the week fresh from performing every night in a production of Fame at Deer Park School in Cirencester. Earlier this year Abbey was runner up in Cirencester’s Got Talent, organised by our sister paper, the Wilts & Glos Standard. " I couldn’t believe it when my name was called out," said Abbey, "I am so thrilled to win this. " Abbey said she would now start taking singing lessons to improve her breathing and help further her career in singing. The two runners up with joint scores were Tim Downes and his son Will who wowed the audience with their drumming skills and amusing double act and Joy Amy Wigman who sang Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Both runners up were awarded £25. Proceeds from the ticket sales on the night will be split between the Queen Victoria’s designated charity, the Meningitis Trust and the Stroud Goodwill fund. Many thanks to The Queen Victoria for making the Little Vic available for auditions and for the S Factor final and also to Black Box PA for the sound system.