Bed firm boss John Kent wins York Idol 2009 with Stones hit (From York Press)

Bed firm boss John Kent wins York Idol 2009 with Stones hit

10:44am Saturday 21st November 2009

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STEP aside Mick Jagger – York has found its very own rock star in bed boss John Kent.

The 43-year-old was crowned winner of York Idol 2009 after wowing judges with his rendition of Jumping Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones.

John, a director at Yorkshire Bed Company’s shop, in Redeness Street, York, beat off stiff competition from six other acts to win the charity sing-off between York’s businessmen and women.

The event has raised £3,000 so far for the learning disability charity, Mencap – but there is still time to boost that total by donating money online.

John, who donated his prize of an electric guitar back to Mencap for use in future fundraisers, said: “I have never sung live before, but I enjoyed every minute of the process from the initial excitement of the rehearsal, the build-up, the pre-show nerves and the elation of the actual performance.

“I had a great time meeting the other contestants, and although we all had an obvious interest in music the whole evening was about raising money and awareness for a fantastic charity.”

The acts were judged by Darren Harper, from Yorkshire Radio, and Amy Burrow, a member of the girl band Project A – one of the groups from The X Factor.

Amy and the rest of Project A performed three songs at the event, which was held at The Duchess, in Stonebow.

Kelly Railton, regional fundraising manager for Mencap, said: “York Idol has revealed the hidden musical talent in York’s business community and a fantastic new entertainer in John Kent.

“The event’s been great fun and we’re delighted to have raised so much for Mencap. We hope everyone will support the event again next year.”

To donate money to Mencap, visit John’s online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/johnkent1.

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