FIFTEEN acts from across Jaywick took part in a special event to boost the village’s image after it was branded a “shanty town” on national TV.

Singers and dancers competed in the first Jaywick’s Got Talent event, organised by blogger Danny Sloggett.

The event was aimed at encouraging pride in the community following Channel 5’s Benefits Britain documentary, which was criticised for labelling Brooklands as a “shanty town”.

Jaywick also recently featured in Sky 1 show Ross Kemp’s Extreme World, in which the former EastEnders star met residents as he explored the issue of coastal deprivation.

The event, which took place at Brooklands Resource Centre, was won by the Smooth Grooves dancing group, which runs classes at Golf Green Hall Judges Suzy Shimell and Dan Casey praised all those who took part.

“We had loads of contestants and the place was packed,” said Mrs Shimell.

“It was a great success, especially after all the horrible stuff on the telly at the moment.”

The winners picked up £100.