The West End Centre served up an MC battle alongside a performance by MOBO award-winning rapper Sway.

Crowds were wowed first by the amateur rhymes of whoever dared take to the stage before seeing how the professionals do it at Sway’s gig.

The event was part of the West End Centre Youth Fest, a week of events aimed at young people.

DJ Gavin ‘Chuckie Steel’ Hall said: "The MC battle had a really good turnout actually.

"People really enjoyed it because they got to do it for themselves and their friends got to cheer them on.

"People got through to the next round based on who got the highest cheers and we kept going until we had a winner.

"I was impressed with the quality of the rhymes and the beatboxing. It was very good.

"It’s a really positive thing that gives them energy even though they’re swearing and talking about things that are a bit impolite.

"But it’s better for them to be talking about it rather than doing it."

The battle was followed by Sway, real name Derek Safo, who fended off competition from 50 Cent to win the 2005 MOBO award for Best Hip Hop Act.

Barney Jeavons, the centre director, said of the Youth Fest: "This is something we’ve been trying for a long time and I’m honoured it’s happened while I’m in this seat."