WOULD-BE popstars are being given their chance to shine next month in a local talent show.

The Citizen is backing South Ribble Borough Council's Search for a Star competition, and each week we will feature two of the lucky ten finalists.

The ten will then perform live at the council's Banqueting Suite on Friday, November 15.

One of the youngest performers to be taking part in the contest is 12-year-old Sara Creeney, from Hutton.

Sara is the current Penwortham festival princess but decided to turn her hand to singing for the contest.

Mum Angela said: "She loves singing. She is a natural performer. She has been singing since she was about nine, and she's now having singing lessons.

"The first time I heard her singing I cried! We all think she's good -- but we're her parents!"

Sara chose Somewhere Over the Rainbow, by Eva Cassidy, for her performance.

Angela said: "She's not really into pop songs and stuff. I don't know why but she likes the Disney songs and musicals. I am proud of her. People like that song, everybody knows it."

And joining Sara under the spotlight is Chorley girl Sonya Harris, from Newlands, Eccleston.

Sonya, 20, who works at the High Heyes kennels and cattery, Langton Brow, Eccleston, will be singing Whistle down the Wind, by Tina Arena.

The animal lover, who is fond of horses, is well known in the Leyland area and stars in an Adlington-based pantomime this year -- playing the lead in Jack and the Beanstalk, with the St Paul Players.

The former Bishop Rawstorne pupil said: "Whistle down the Wind is one of my favourite songs.

"I've been singing pretty much all my life. I've done a lot of shows, and two competitions before this."

The overall winner of the competition will receive £200 courtesy of BNFL, and the contest will raise money for the Mayor of South Ribble's charity fund.