MOVE over teeny pop stars -- it's time for Pendle's older generation to step forward and take part in a talent contest.

The YOURS Silver Stars Talent Contest is back in town for over 60s and will be searching for Pendle's top performing pensioner at the first local heat.

The Silver Stars Talent Contest, sponsored by YOURS -- the senior citizens magazine -- is calling talented over 60s from all over the UK to show off their showbiz talent to become the nation's top Silver Star.

Every starstruck senior that enters will walk away with an exclusive YOURS commemorative certificate.

The winner of the Pendle local heat will automatically go forward to the North West Area Final at the Floral Hall, Southport on May 28.

The winners from each area final will then join their fellow silver superstars and perform in front of a 2000-strong audience at the Grand Final on July 30 at Southport's Apollo Theatre.

A judging panel will select the most outstanding act who will be crowned YOURS Silver Star 2003 and receive £1,000 cash prize money.

This year's contest is again being supported nationally by Age Concern making the contest bigger than ever.

YOURS reader care editor, Rosie Sandall said: "Silver Stars is a fabulous celebration of mature talent and is closely followed by our one million readers.

"This unique contest demonstrates through practical example that there are thousands of people who are never too old to realise their dreams of stardom."

National director and organiser Bob Brierley said: "The YOURS Silver Stars Talent Contest proves age is no barrier when it comes to succeeding in showbiz.

"It also gives many senior citizens their first opportunity to perform before a live audience and fulfil a life long dream.

"We are also delighted that Age Concern are supporting the contest for the second year running."

The event is being held at Colne Municipal Hall on Thursday, May 8, at 2pm.

To enter the YOURS Silver Stars Talent Contest, or for further information, contact Harold Hoggarth on 01282 661234.