BUDDING stars of the future took to the stage at The Pines Hotel in Clayton-le-Woods on Sunday.

The young hopefuls were competing in the under 12 year olds category of The Pines Citizen Talent Contest 2001.

Some 23 artists and groups dazzled the audience with their tremendous talents. There were singers, dancers, guitarists and keyboard players, and not a single wrong note as they belted out tunes.

The event was co-ordinated by Stylus World, which provided their services free of charge. A spokesman for the firm said: "I pity those judges, they have such a hard job to choose just one winner from all this talent."

But in the end it was the last act, a little girl who had waited three hours to perform, who stole the show.

Emma Wright, aged nine, from Blackpool, stole the judges' hearts with her rendition of Breathless made famous by the Corrs.

Emma's mum Joanne had only heard about the event two weeks ago from her sister Yvonne Jardie, who lives in Walton Park, Walton-le-Dale, and read about it in The Citizen. Proud Joanne said: "It is unreal, I nearly jumped off my seat when it was announced, I couldn't believe it." And dad Stephen said: "I am made up, she's done great."

Joint runner-up came a group from Ribchester called Reaction, featuring Eilis Searson, Michelle Dowbekin and Lauren Byrne, all ten. They sang a piece written by their music teacher Karen Cameron. Reaction share their prize with Nicola West, from Chorley, who sang I Will Survive.

And in third place was 11-year-old Melanie Waite, from Leyland, who sang You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me.

Soul singer Stephen Bayliss who was on the judging panel, said: "I was surprised how much talent there was, some of these youngsters had a great stage presence.

"That is what distinguishes a real performer. But it was a hard job to judge them because they are all so good."

Now Emma will take the first slot at the talent night on January 12 next year at The Pines Hotel.

This Sunday, the 12 to 18 year olds and adults will compete to see who else wins a chance to perform at the show alongside Stephen Bayliss.