A BLACKBURN woman could be a star in the making after winning a weekly heat in Pontin's 'Starquest 2004' competition.

Sarah Eccles, of Carlton Road, Blackburn, only entered the adult talent competition for a laugh, so couldn't believe it when judges at the Southport centre unanimously voted her the winner.

She said: "It was the first competition I had ever entered so didn't expect to do well, never mind win it.

"I knew I could sing but just got up on the stage for a bit of joke, so all this has come as a bit of a surprise."

The 19-year-old, who is currently seeking work, impressed the panel with a rendition of the song "Save the best till last."

She won £20 and a winner's medallion plus certificate and has also been invited, along with a guest, to a VIP weekend at Pontin's Blackpool, on November 26. There she will take part in the semi-finals against other heat winners from around the country.

A grand final on November 27, featuring a star host and cabaret show, will select the outright winner who will win the opportunity to record a five-track cover album in a professional recording studio. The package also includes photography, CD cover design and a CD mini home entertainment system or professional performance standard microphone.