A NEW craze swept across East Lancashire in 1994 tempting even the most reluctant singers to perform in public.

Karaoke had arrived and was proving immensely popular.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph - as it was then - organised a massive karaoke contest which attracted scores of singers.

Heats were held at pubs and clubs across East Lancashire with the successful contestants moving through to first the semi-finals and then the final itself which was held at King George’s Hall, Blackburn.

It was a contest which was well worth winning - the prize included a cheque for £500 as well as the honour of being known as the area’s best karaoke singer.

The winner was Martin Logan who chose the Simple Minds anthem Alive and Kicking as his song for the final. He also selected some unusual stage gear when it came to his turn to sing - donning full Blackburn Rovers kit including shiny, short shorts that were the fashion in 1994.