THE hunt is on to find Worcestershire's most talented young singers for a major competition taking place this spring.

Pop Icons is a challenge to find the county's most talented pop artists to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Will Young and Girls Aloud.

Youngsters aged 12 to 18 from Worcestershire schools are being invited to enter into both the solo and ensemble categories of the competition.

A closing date for entries is Friday, February 13, and the preliminary round of judges will select those entrants that will go on to the final at the Swan Theatre in Worcester on Wednesday, March 31, at 7pm.

The competition is being supported by Yamaha-Kemble (UK) Ltd, which is providing the prizes for the winning schools.

BBC Hereford & Worcester are also backing the event and recording it for future broadcast.

"As part of our rich programme of arts activities, Pop Icon's is breaking new ground," said county arts inspector Stephen Belinfante.

"Our schools have been overwhelmed with applications reflecting an outstanding breadth of talent in Worcestershire."

Tickets to watch the final are priced £5 and are available from the Swan Theatre's box office on 01905 611427.

Anyone interested in taking part in the competition should ask their school's music teacher for an entry form or Worcestershire Arts Education on 01905 333505 for more information.