PAMELA Hacking has been crowned the first ever winner of Darwen’s Got Talent.

The 38-year-old, of Hoddlesden, said she only entered the competition to encourage her 13-year-old daughter Saffron McPeake to get on stage.

Although both made it through to the final 10 at Darwen Library Theatre on Saturday night, it was Pamela who really wowed the crowd and judges with her rendition of Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’, and Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colours’.

“It feels amazing”, said Pamela, who owns a cafe in Market Street, Darwen.

“I’ve been singing all my life, but I’ve never won a thing and was about to give it all up because I was so fed up.

“But I thought that would give a bad message to Saffron, who has an amazing voice.

“It was the first time I’ve heard her sing, and she brought a tear to my eye.”

She added: “It was amazing to win, but it’s more about recognition and opening doors.”

In 2006, Pamela sang on the X Factor in front of Simon Cowell, who said she would make a good cruise ship singer, a dream she now hopes to fulfil.

On Saturday, Pamela was presented with a glass trophy of Darwen Tower, a professional recording of her songs, and a chance to perform at the Mayor’s Command Performance next year.

The event was organised to raise money for soldiers’ charities by Darwen Soldiers’ Support Group, and was supported by Darwen Town Council.