HE has been singing and playing the guitar for 25 years, but on Saturday night he played to his biggest audience yet - in front of 10 million viewers.

Florist Martin Lambert produced a voice to rival Michael Ball when he performed George Benson's classic In Your Eyes on the BBC's Star for a Night show, hosted by Jane McDonald.

Despite not being chosen as the competition winner by a panel of celebrity judges, former Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith said he was a fantastic entertainer who had the best voice of all five contenders.

"Performing was wonderful," said Martin. "Singing is the hardest job in the world. I think if I had done this 10 years ago that after the show I would have been snapped up.

"But I do feel that after this I can climb a few steps up the ladder."

Martin's amazing talent was discovered after his fiance's dad sent a disc with his songs on to the show, which was filmed in November.

But the 32-year-old former Rudheath High School pupil has always performed in pubs around Northwich, including The Wharf where he has sung for the past eight years, and also with his younger brother Richard.

Owner Val Kench said: "I'm appalled that the judges sat there and said he was the best singer but then made someone else the winner - he was robbed."

Martin's mum Judith, who organised a party at their home in Braemer Avenue, Rudheath, for friends and family to watch the popular show on Saturday night, added: "Everyone was disappointed that he didn't win, especially after what the judges said about him.

"But he's got a brilliant voice and we're so proud of him."