Vale singing sensations ScotSoul have praised the "fantastic" local support as the finished third in BBC One's singing competition Pitch Battle.

The five-strong team, who only formed as a group in February, won their heat by dazzling the judging panel - including American singer Kelis - and seeing off five other choirs to have a chance at winning the main prize of £50,000 in Saturday's grand final.

They competed alongside five other winning choirs and won their way through the first round, before falling in the 'acapella battle' stage.

The final was eventually won by Leeds Contemporary Singers, who beat off the All the King's Men group from London.

Natalie James, 36, from Bonhill, was one of the five singers - alongside Shirley, Jim, Des and Louise - who formed ScotSoul and told the Reporter: "We're still totally speechless about the whole thing and we've had the best time of our lives.

"We're so happy and grateful for the opportunity and we've had the chance to make some amazing friends in the other choirs too. It was a major achievement for us to come third, we've learned so much as a group and it's not really sunk in yet."

During the final, the group also had the chance to perform alongside legendary singer Chaka Khan in a duet of her song "I'm Every Woman", with a memorable moment coming when the American star appeared to mistake a gift of shortbread for an item of jewellery.

Natalie continued: "Chaka was so lovely and so calm and had a really great effect on us.

"We gave her shortbread and also she commented in the heats about how she liked Louise's bracelet, so we offered her a bracelet as a token gesture and so she's probably got confused on stage."

The group's efforts through the show have prompted big support around Dumbarton and the Vale, with the group quick to thank the local community and confirming that they would be staying together after the competition.

Natalie added: "The support in the local area has been absolutely fantastic and people have just been so lovely to us.

"We're definitely looked to continue together as ScotSoul and look to play some gigs and some corporate events in the future."