AS the national Pop Idol final draws near, a Clayton-le-Moors pub has been unearthing some fine East Lancashire singing talent in its own karaoke competition.

Fortes Arms owners Nick Hargreaves and Damien Nickleson set up the competition to run for seven weeks at the Lower Barnes Street hostelry.

Last week it boiled down to a final of twelve with independent judges from the music business drafted in to perform the judging duties in a Simon Cowell-style.

And the competitors were hoping to be successful just like Mark and Michelle are hoping on Saturday's TV final.

Christine Nickleson, mother of Damien who was a judge during the competition and also works in the pub, said the standard was extremely high.

The winner of the competition, known only as 'Slim' from Huncoat, won the £200 first prize, 'Cath' from Clayton was second and 'Shev' from Burnley was third.