IT began with popstars, then soapstars, models, pop idols and now the highly publicised talent competition craze has led a former University of Central Lancashire student to reach for his chance at broadcast glory.

Mick Davies, 48, is on his way to landing a dream job as a radio presenter after entering the BBC Talent 2001 and winning through to be Radio Lancashire's entrant.

The former transport manager graduated from the Preston university this year with a degree in journalism and has found himself bidding to be one of four people, nationally, to be awarded radio presenting contracts at their local BBC radio station.

The father-of-three said: "This is just one of the many things I applied for after graduating and the whole family are very excited -- it will be a real adventure."

He is awaiting results after cutting his broadcast teeth for real when he featured on BBC Radio Lancashire's morning show on Saturday, October 20, from 9am until noon.

Mick, from Anderton, near Chorley, said: "The programme I did on Saturday has been sent off to the competition final and I will have to wait and see if I am one of the lucky winners. I hope so. I have done a lot in life and now I really want to work as a broadcaster.

"The age thing should not be a problem if Radio Lancashire have anything to do with it because they are looking at targeting an audience over 45.

"I am not nervous -- I am prepared to go in there and take whatever they throw at me and enjoy it for what it is which is a step in the right direction.

"I have got my wife, Helen, to thank for going out to work while I was at college and the course itself which was a brilliant course and gave me a lot of self confidence."