JUST as MPs plumb new depths, claiming for church collection plate donations, thank the stars for Hollie Steel and the Britain’s Got Talent crew.

Slowly but surely our faith in the country’s elected representatives has clouded over like an uncleaned moat.

One of the few shining lights, as the recession continues to nip at our heels, has been the parade of hopefuls who have left us glued to our TV sets for the past weeks.

Sneered at by high-minded critics, the variety show format has given us a welcome antidote to the stomach-churning exploits of Westminster’s finest.

Hollie melted hearts with her angelic voice, Stavros Flatley dazzled even his illustrious namesake and ‘Hairy Angel’ Susan Boyle proved you should never judge a book by its cover. All credit to winners Diversity, who spectacularly upset the form book.

No doubt Huncoat’s Hollie, like Cheeky Monkeys Charlie Dixon and Krista Hyatt from Colne, has a promising future ahead of her in showbusiness.

And her parents Jason and Nina will keep the Oakhill College student’s feet on the ground as she strives for stage fame.

Grasping politicians may come and go, banks and high street names could crumble, but as long as the great British public retains the ability to laugh at itself, and continue to champion the underdog, there’s hope for us yet.