STROUD'S third annual song contest concluded with a grand final on Friday night.

The event was held in a marquee at the Crown & Sceptre pub on Horns Road and was hosted by Robin Layfield.

The Many Coated were voted top of the pops with their catchy guitar-pop song Rely on Me.

Thirteen local acts performed their songs live on stage to a loud and lively audience of over 200 people.

Well-known Stroud-based acts The Peekies, Cat Mead and M. Marko's Outer Space Emporium all took part, along with ten other acts who had qualified for the final via an online public vote to whittle down the initial 49 entries.

A children's contest also took place and was won by 14 year old Corin Dunsdon with The Song of the Polar Bear which he performed on the night to rapturous applause.