THE hunt is on for East Lancashire's answer to Pop Idol singing sensation Gareth Gates.

UK Entertainment Services, based at the Business Development Centre, Eanam Wharf, Blackburn, is looking to create a Northern star in a talent competition.

There will be four age groups for seven years and under, eight to 12, 13 to 17, and 18 years and over.

The only rules are that contestants must live in the area and have not been gainfully employed in or by the entertainment industry in the past 10 years.

Winners and runners up are to be provided with work in the industry and other prizes will be on offer.

Event organiser Kath Hartley said: "We are aware that there is a lot of talent in the area and we hope to discover the true potential of the region.

"We organised the talent competition to help bring communities closer together as it will cover the whole of the North West area and most of the heats for the competition will be held locally."

Entries should be sent to UK Entertainment Services, Eanam Wharf, Blackburn, by July1. More information from Kath on 01254 55777 or 56557.