SCORES of singers were hoping to prove they had the X Factor as auditions for the ITV show took place in Blackburn.

Budding singers queued in The Mall hoping to get the nod in the first round of auditions.

If successful they could get the chance to perform in front of judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.

East Lancashire has already produced one star - Diana Vickers who reached the semi-final in 2008.

Alex Buckley, 20, from Tockholes, who had brought his guitar, was waiting for his turn to impress.

The student, who has played guitar for around 13 years, said: “I am feeling a bit nervous.

“I’m going to be singing While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison.

“I just like playing in front of people and I am hoping to make a career out of music.”

Andrew Lord, 50, from Blackburn, is no stranger to the stage having performed Firestarter by The Prodigy during a festival at Roe Lee Park.

He was planning to sing The Chemical Brothers' Hey Boy Hey Girl song.

He said: “I’m going to dance as well. I just want to have fun. That is what I’m here for.”

His friend Richard Mason, 28, said: “He is a fantastic performer. We go and watch him sing every week.”

Ellis Hammond, 17, from Oswaldtwistle, sang The Power of Love by Celine Dion.

The music performance student said it has always been her dream to sing.

She said: “I just went for it. I was nervous but I think I got the nerves out my system. I’m hoping I get a bit further.

“Louis is my favourite judge. He’s good fun.”

Her mum Joanne described herself as Ellis’s biggest fan.

She said: “I am extremely proud of her. She sang wonderfully.”

Ryan Hurley, a biomedical student, sang his own song and played guitar.

The 22-year-old said: “I think it went alright although it is hard to tell. I’m hoping to get through the next round and take it a stage at a time."