SINGER Stacey De-Looze took another step on her road to stardom when she won the Pendle Starquest talent competition.

Town centre shoppers were provided with a full day of free entertainment by would-be stars.

The 17-year-old Burnley girl was last year's under 16s winner but this year took the senior title and the prize of £500.

Stacey, a singer and guitarist, was also runner-up in the junior section in the previous two years.

Her ambition is to be a professional singer and she is writing her own songs in the hope of creating her first album.

The event in the Place de Creil in Nelson town centre on Saturday attracted 37 entries from across the area.

Winner of the under 16s section was 13-year-old Valentina O'Kelly of Brierfield who won £200.

Other cash prizes were to: under 16s runners up, Rebecca Wiggan and Keeley Terry, 3rd, Leanne Bradshaw. Over 16s: runner-up Marie Dempsey and Victoria Adey, 3rd, Angela White.

Starquest co-ordinator Isobel Davies, from the council's regeneration team, commented: "We were overwhelmed by entries this year and had to reduce the number of songs from three to two.

"They were mainly singers but we did have some dancers as well."

Compere was Don Strachan.

Starquest is only open to non-professionals and is organised and supported by Pendle Council, Nelson Town Centre Forum, Pendle Partnership and Burnley and District Concert Secretaries.