Some 200 young people from all over London showed off their “unbelievable” singing and dancing at a talent show at the Hackney Empire, organised to break down postcode barriers.

Ham & High: Leona Lewis and Jermain Jackman with Boroughs United organiser Kelly Reid. Picture: Ross BrindLeona Lewis and Jermain Jackman with Boroughs United organiser Kelly Reid. Picture: Ross Brind (Image: Ross Brind)

Singing superstar Leona Lewis was a surprise special guest at the sell-out annual Boroughs United performance, which has been organised by The Crib youth club since 2001.

Judges included the mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and The Voice winner Jermain Jackman.

Crib member Temi, 12, was successful in her application to secure a £3,500 Youth Opportunities Fund to put on the show.

Kelly Reid from The Crib told the Gazette: “The competition this year was unbelievable.

Ham & High: The winning singers from Boroughs United 2018 talent show. Picture: Ross BrindThe winning singers from Boroughs United 2018 talent show. Picture: Ross Brind (Image: Ross Brind)

“If it had not been for the amazing dedication of The Crib youth forum over the last few months we could not have pulled it off.

“I am really grateful to them for making us and Hackney proud of the amazing positive things that we achieve in this borough.”