Rock FM traffic and travel presenter, Gemma Dee is a perfect judge for this year's Search for a Summer Star competition.

The 23-year-old, a former Runshaw College student, who has been performing since she was a teenager, is no stranger to competitions after winning a competition organised by Rock FM to find a new traffic and travel person in 2001.

With this type of experience Gemma believes she can offer Search for a Summer Star entrants a few tips for the contest organised by Fishergate Shopping Centre, in conjunction with the Citizen and the Preston-based radio station.

"Don't try and get too ambitious," she said. "Sometimes the simpler songs sang well can sound much better than a young voice trying to sing Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey.

"I can't wait to see all the different types of talent Preston has to offer."

Gemma, from Chorley, has had singing lessons since she was about 13 after her grandmother, Margaret, was taken into hospital.

"I think my mum wanted something for me to do while she was visiting my nanna," said Gemma, who also sings with local soul band, The Feel Good Factor.

There are three age categories and those who make it through a phone line audition will compete on the following dates: Ages 7-10, July 27; Ages 11-13, August 3; Ages 14-16 August 10.

The audition line number is 09111 767 100. Calls costs 60p per minute and will appear on your phone bill (mobile calls may cost more). Make sure that you have the bill payer's permission before you call. Don't forget, you MUST be available on your age category heat show dates, and if you get through, on the day of the final, August 27

Budding solo performers have until July 13 to enter so get dialling.