A MOTHER has criticised the organisers of a talent contest which left youngsters angry and upset after the final did not happen.

Tracy Bett, 37, says her 14-year-old daughter Carly entered a competition organised by UK Entertainment Services last summer.

But the company left its base at Business Development Centre, Eanam Wharf, which is owned by Blackburn with Darwen Council, with no forwarding details before the contest reached a conclusion.

The Darwen Vale High School pupil paid a £3.50 administration fee to enter the competition and sang Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On in an audition at Sydney Street WMC, Accrington.

It is not known how many other youngsters had also taken part.

She was told she would be in the final.

Tracy, of Mona Road, Blackburn, said: "They told her she had a beautiful voice but they would like her to come to the final wearing something a bit more girlie.

"Carly was a bit of a tomboy at the time so we went out and spent £40 on an outfit.

"They also said they could get her some work as a backing singer working in a club.

"Carly has her heart set on a career singing and this seemed an ideal opportunity for her. They also told us the final would be televised so she was really excited and had told all her friends."

But the family heard nothing more from the company. The grandmother of another entrant telephoned Kath Hartley, executive coordinator of the Eanam Wharf based business, and was told there were problems finding a venue.

Last week Tracy phoned UK Entertainment Services but was told the company had gone.

She said: "Carly is extremely upset and angry at them. This was the first time she had entered a competition and she feel let down because she was excited about the prospect of singing in front of a large audience.

"It has put her off completely from entering any competitions in the future.

"I would like to know why Kath Hartley went to the trouble of organising the contest and telling young people they had made it to the final stage if they had no intention of holding the big final at all.

"It was a very cruel and nasty thing for them to do. I think they should be ashamed of themselves for the way they have treated my daughter and the other youngsters."

Steve Hoyle, assistant director for economic regeneration, said: "The company has left Eanam Wharf.

"We also have some issues we need to resolve with them and are trying to make contact with them, too."

UK Entertainment Services could not be contacted for comment and the company is not listed. Blackburn police are not involved.