Producer's search to find the next S Club 7

Mark Winstanley, 33, of Knuzden, owns BackBeat record shop and music school in Union Street, Oswaldtwistle, and has the same named shop in Sarasota, Florida.

He has recently set up his own record label, Backbeat records, and thinks Lancashire is the prime spot to find fresh musical talent to rival the group, formed in the late 1990s and famous for songs such as Reach for the Stars.

He said: "I started playing a guitar when I was six and music has formed a huge passion for me since then.

"It's a great leveller that makes everyone equal and draws people together."

Mark, a former music teacher, opened his shop in Oswaldtwistle in January, following the success of his business in the States.

He had been over for a holiday and decided to buy a house and a music shop there, which has now been running for four years.

Mark said: "It works out pretty well having a shop there and one here.

"I can buy things a lot cheaper in America, but I don't get to go out as often as I'd like, maybe only twice a year. I have a team of staff over there though that see to things for me."

He is now looking for two boys and two girls, aged between 16 and 21, who can sing and dance and who will record an album of his songs at Abbey Road studios.

"They will also receive professional dance tuition.

He has contacts throughout the music industry in areas such as engineering, management and marketing, and is in contact with the producer of American jazz vocalist Curtis Stiger's latest album, Real Emotion.

Mark hopes to get the group together by Christmas and will be holding X-factor style auditions for people who want to try out.

The lucky finalists who make the group might also have the chance to appear on a TV show which Mark is in negotiations with. To book an audition call in to the Union Street shop or call Mark on 01254 390313.

Those selected will then perform in a hotel with other candidates.

People with some experience would be preferred.