WANNABE pop stars in the Ribble Valley are to get the chance to take part in a seven-week competition with a Pop Idol theme.

But unlike the hit TV programme, there will be no Simon Cowell-style judges and nobody will be rejected.

Popskool is the brainchild of Tony Rodia, manager of Roefield Leisure Centre, Clitheroe, and Steven Lancaster, of the Ribble Valley education initiative, Gold.

Popskool will offer up to 45 youngsters basic training in dance, vocals and stage performance, from Bristol girl-group Eclipse.

At the end of Week Four, participants will be grouped into girl and boy bands in preparation for a finale before a celebrity judging panel.

All participants will get the chance to take part in a recording session in the studios at Turret House, the home of Ultraframe magnate John Lancaster, who is Steven's father.

The finale will be filmed and the winners will return to Turret House for a recording session with full stage lights, sets and costumes.

Tony said: "The youngsters will be guided through singing and dancing sessions. The project will promote personal development, team work and self-discipline, culminating in a live performance before family and friends, and a celebrity judging panel. But, unlike Pop Idol, there will be no mean judges and no-one will be rejected. Everyone will get a chance, no matter what their talents."

The project is open to Ribble Valley youngsters between the ages of seven and 11. If it is successful, a further Popskool will be held for youngsters aged 11 and over.

Tony added: "I thought Pop Idol was a cracking idea and immediately wanted to hold one in the Ribble Valley. It's taken two years to organise, but we are offering the youngsters a great opportunity."

The Gold initiative spearheaded by Steven is a peer education project committed to the social, moral and educational development of young people in the Ribble Valley.

It provides arts and music lessons and workshops through Eclipse, a three-girl band put together by Christian record label NGM, patronised by Sir Cliff Richard.

Steven, a musician and band manager, said: "Many youngsters who haven't come through the performing school ranks wouldn't get the opportunity to take part in a project like this. We are giving them the chance to shine regardless of their ability and the opportunity to work at Turret House, which is an amazing place and has all the facilities of a Fame Academy."

Popskool starts on Thursday, March 20, and will be held on Thursdays from 4 to 5.30pm until April 24, followed by the finale on Saturday, April 26. The cost is £25 per child and further details are available from Tony on 01200 442188.