A YORK performer vying to win a TV talent contest has amused the judges and made it through to the next stage.

Viewers tuning into Britain's Got Talent on Saturday night watched crowd-pleaser Richard Bayton, 29, stage a medley of hit songs and musical classics.

The youth theatre teacher, from York, who also works front of house at the Grand Opera House, walked on stage in a leather jacket and jeans.

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But as he burst into song, he ripped open his jacket to reveal a sparkling Union Flag vest.

His enthusiastic display thrilled the crowd and three judges Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alicia Dixon.

However, Simon Cowell - often the hardest judge to please - hit the buzzer on the desk in front of him to show his displeasure at Richard's act.

This did not stop the York St John University administrator as he carried on with his range of hits, which included The Jungle Book's hit song I Wanna Be Like You.

The performance was brought to close with The Beatle's Let It Be and was even enough to raise a smile from Simon, who joined the other judges in putting Richard through to the next stage.

This was Richard's second appearance in front of the judges after he made the same stage in the process two years ago, only to miss out on the live shows.

He is hoping to go one better this year and make the semi-finals.

"It's all very exciting because I'm at the stage where I'm close to finding out if I'm in the live shows," he said.

"I found this time more nerve wracking than the first.

"People thought I would be as cool as a cucumber but I was more terrified because I knew what was coming and what it could do for me.

"Since Simon has become a dad he's a bit kinder. I don't think my act was his cup of tea but the others loved it."