BUDDING pop stars could get their big break in Preston following the launch of a new star search competition.

The lucky winners of the Stars of the North talent contest will get the chance to record an album and release a single which, organisers hope, will help them clinch a record deal.

The prize also includes the chance of a slot on tour with a cabaret style show.

Organiser Daniella Gallagher, 20, West Park Avenue, Ashton, Preston, said the competition was being held in Preston to save talented young people the hassle and expense of travelling to London for auditions.

"Most of the time auditions for pop bands are held in London, we want to find some local talent and show not everything has to be done in London," said Daniella, a secretary at Tokyo Jo's.

"I am hoping Stars of the North can prove that places like Preston can rival London."

The event is supported and funded by a London music agency E3 International, and will be judged by a panel including Miss Gallagher, a representative from E3, a pop star - yet to be announced.

But, Miss Gallagher claims, any band chosen on the night will not be another manufactured band.

"We will be looking for dedicated and hard-working young people who have real talent to sing, write songs and dance," she said. "I am hoping that there will be hundreds of people to audition."

After the initial audition, 50 people will be called back, and whittled down to two or four winners depending on how many good competitors there are.

Rehearsals for the cabaret will take place for a month and winners will be expected to commit full-time to the project.

Wannabe singers, songwriters and dancers aged 18-25 can audition on June 5 at Tokyo Jo's, Fishergate, Preston, between 10am-5.30pm. For information, email Daniella.Gallagher@hotmail.com or call 07743 295341.