JUDGES in a talent contest went bananas for a Carmen Miranda impressionist!

For Trevor Cresswell's impersonation of the singer, famous for her "fruity" outfits, helped him scoop third place in a competition to find the North West's top oldest active amateur performer.

Trevor (76), of Kenmor Avenue, Bury, took to the stage as a drag artist in the competition, which is part of a national campaign to encourage older people to continue treading the boards in the world of drama and is run by the Counsel and Care charity.

"I first got into performing about ten years ago when I started working as a carer," said Trevor, who is pictured in full costume.

"Age Concern had put together a group of six singers to tour around old folks' homes in the borough. As I can't sing I suggested miming as a drag act."

As he had previously owned a theatrical costume shop in Bury, Trevor was a dab hand with a needle and thread and was able to make his own costumes.

"My Carmen Miranda goes down a storm at the old folks' homes, as well as Shirley Bassey," said Trevor. "They really get into the mood singing along."

Trevor has about ten acts in his repertoire including a routine from the show Oliver. " I do a song as Nancy the barmaid before launching into Consider Yourself, dressed as a street urchin," he said.

For the Queen's Golden Jubilee he has something extra special beneath his corset. "My new act is to be called Queen Camilia, and I introduce myself as coming direct from the Palace, the Palace Bingo Hall in Radcliffe that is!"