Britain's Got Talent 2020 winner uses piano from Liverpool music retailer to create his Royal Variety Performance act

THIS year's Britain's Got Talent winner, Jon Courtenay, used a piano from local music store Rimmers Music to compose his show for the Royal Variety Performance. Jon contacted Rimmers Music just weeks before the finale of Britain's Got Talent with an instrument query that was picked up by Leyland Branch Manager, Martin Green. Martin immediately recognised Jon's name and voice immediately; but not from BGT. Jon and Martin had worked in the entertainment business together almost 20 years ago. The 2 long lost friends were happy to be reconnected, and after Martin helped Jon with his query, Jon joked that should he win BGT, he would come back to the store and upgrade his piano for a more expensive model. To everyone's delight, Jon continued to go from strength to strength after receiving the golden buzzer from Ant and Dec on his 1st audition. Just a few weeks after his call with Martin, the comedy singer and pianist earned the title of Britain's Got Talent's 2020 winner. As is customary of all BGT winners, Jon was given the honour of creating a show and performing at the legendary Royal Variety Performance, alongside a star studded line up. True to his word, Jon purchased a Yamaha CVP 805 for almost ₤5,000 from Rimmers Music, which he used to work on his act for the Royal Variety show on the 8 December 2020. Rimmers Music is no stranger to BGT stars. The musical instrument retailer's Regional Manager, Graham Blackledge, made it to the semi finals of series 6 of the show in 2012 with his organ performance and charismatic personality. The music retailer is delighted to be a part of musicians' dreams of making it to the big stage and wishes Jon every success with his future career.

Christmas donation from local car club to RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch

DESPITE the Pandemic, Southport based Dip Monkey Garage and local car club UK Hot Cars have taken a collection and raised ₤100 for the charity.

The RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch took to social media to say:- "A Big THANK YOU to Dip Monkey Garage and UK Hot Cars, all the generous customers and most importantly the beautiful Alfie for your kindness. We received over ₤100 in cash donations and lots of food and treats for our residents. This was amazing and will really help us."

Surviving civil war with a tracksuit and tennis racquet!

THE BBC World Service has announced the winners of the BBC Inspirations Awards 2020, which celebrate inspirational people and unsung heroes from across the globe. This year the international tennis player/coach, Sam P Jalloh has been selected as a recipient of one of these prestigious awards. Sam now lives in Southport, Merseyside, and had to accept his award virtually, because of COVID19 restrictions during filming. His Award will feature in an episode aired on Tuesday, 22 December 2020, and will be available from:- BBC.Co.UK.

Sam is originally from Sierra Leone and learned to play tennis barefoot and against the backdrop of the Civil War within his country of birth. He subsequently became a professional tennis player and eventually become a leading international tennis coach. He has also recently published a book, which is an inspirational account of growing up in Ghana and Sierra Leone, and how the sport, tennis, saved his life. Some of his book:- "How Tennis Saved My Life - Play Tennis Not War" is also about to be released as an animation by the BBC World Service, and he is due to film a documentary about his life. Not only that, but a film is being scripted about his life.

Sam said:- "I want to thank all the other winners and everyone for your support. All I'm able to say is Wow!! I would never have thought I would become a winner of this award. It means so much to me, you can't imagine, and I really do mean that. It isn't just me who I have accepted this award, but also for all my family, friends, and colleagues who have helped and supported me over the years. Without them, I would never have got to the level I am now at and I'm determined to help all those back home and here in the UK, to use sports, like tennis, to overcome difficulties they face in life and not turn to violence."

For more information about Sam please visit his official website:- SPJalloh.com.

If you are interested to find out more about Sam and his amazing story, his book's ISBN is:- 9781093234046.