POP Idol has been replaced by Grandpop idol as starstruck over 60's battle it out for the Silver Stars crown.

Nine of Blackburn's most talented senior citizens took part in the Silver Stars heat, run by Yours magazine and supported by Age Concern, at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Thursday night.

And Frank Sinatra sound-alike Ricky Holder, known to his friends as Eric Oldham, 67, won the heat for the second consecutive year.

His six-minute rendition of That's Life and New York was enough to win over the panel of judges and tune in to a place in the area finals in Southport in June.

Over 60's who can sing, dance or entertain in any way are eligible to enter.

Eric, of Hillcrest Road in Langho, was a professional singer for 12 years and is a self-confessed fan of Stars in Your Eyes.

He said: "I had a really good time and the contest really is one of the best. I still do a lot of charity contests for the thrill."

Eric adopted his stagename and an American accent when he started impersonating Ol' Blue Eyes on the Northern circuit in the 70s and 80s.

"I am thrilled to go to the area finals again this year and hope to do better this year and make it to the grand final.

"It is impossible to tell how things will go as it all depends on the judges on the day!"

Eric joins finalists from South Ribble, Leyland, Hyndburn Pendle and Rossendale. The finalist from Pendle's heat will be decided on May 2.

Area finalists go through to the grand UK final at the Apollo Theatre, Southport on July 24 for the chance to win £1,000.