SECOND place at Bolton’s Got Talent went to not one but 35 talented performers.

When announcing Theatre Works as runner-up, Peter Kay quipped: “They’ve got to split £500 35 ways!”

The ecstatic youngsters, aged six to 17, impressed judges with their energetic routine to Madness songs Baggy Trousers and Our House.

He gently ribbed some of the youngsters for taking time off school on Friday to perfect their routine, before delighting them further by leading a mass singalong of happy birthday for performer Jodie.

Theatre Works teaches acting, dance and singing to more than 150 children every week across Bolton and Bury.

Some of the budding stars who took part in Friday night’s routine said they were ‘so happy’,’ over the moon’ and described coming second as ‘mind-blowing’.

PICTURES: 100 fantastic images from Bolton's Got Talent hosted by Peter Kay

Theatre Works was founded in 2012 by two lifelong friends.

Bursting with pride, Lauren Bateman said: “It was amazing, they absolutely smashed it. It makes us so happy when we see them happy.

“Also, Emma and I got a chance to watch it. Normally, we’re backstage doing the lights, doing the sound.”

With a beaming smile, Emma Matthews said: “Me and Lauren have been best friends since we were eight years old and we used to do the Town Hall pantomime in the ‘90s.

“We grew up dancing together so, best mates who get to do this. Play around all day, singing and dancing with kids – it’s great.”

She added: “There’s not a lot of kids who can say they’ve represented Bolton. It’s all about the talent of Bolton.”

The £500 prize money will go towards paying for the group’s coach so they can return to Sadler's Wells Theatre in London for a performance in April.