BUDDING Britney Spears and Gareth Gates sound-a-likes have stepped up to the microphone to take part in a special Stars in Their Eyes-style talent competition.

Talented youngsters in Burnley and Pendle are being invited to bid for a place in the final, which is being held at the Burnley Mechanics theatre in July.

The competition has been organised by Brunshaw Action Group and is being backed by Pennine Police, who helped the group secure £5,000 from the Rank Charitable Foundation to fund the contest.

Around 18 young people, aged nine and over, took part in an audition held at Brunshaw Youth Centre, in Morse Street.

Another heat takes place at the youth centre next Sunday, between 1pm to 5.30pm, when three Burnley finalists will be chose to go forward to the final in May.

Young people in Colne, Nelson, Brierfield and Padiham will get their chance to bid for a place in the contest at heats being held in each town in June.

Michael Bailey, from Brunshaw Action Group, said: "The standard has been really high so far - I think we have seen a few stars of the future this weekend.

"But we would still like more young people to come along and take part in the auditions."

Superintendent Steve Hartley from Pennine Police said: "A similar contest was run by Brunshaw Action Group last year and it proved to be a huge success.

"Thanks to the funding we've obtained from the Rank Foundation, this year's competition will be even bigger and better with young people from Pendle, as well as Burnley, taking part."

He added: "From a policing point of view, we're delighted to be supporting the contest.

"It keeps the youngsters occupied and whilst they are rehearsing and competing, they are having fun in a safe environment, which is in all our best interests."