The search is on for Bristol's next young starlet

Talented youngsters from across the region have just over a month to hone their vocal cords and refine their acts in time for this year's Evening Post/Fry Club Junior Search for a Star competition.

Run at Keynsham's Fry Club, the competition is now in its 16th year and is one of the most prestigious talent shows in the Bristol area, attracting performers from far and wide.

Now the stage is set once again for our young hopefuls to show off their talents and do what they can to impress the judges and win the coveted prize.

The competition consists of three heats, held at the Fry Club on September 20, September 27 and October 4, before the final on October 11.

Whether you are a singer or a dancer, a musician or a gymnast, a solo performer or part of a group, if you have a talent and are aged between seven and 13 by the starting date then you can enter.

And there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs. The winner will take home a cheque for £150 and the Junior Search for a Star trophy. There is also £100 for second place, £75 for third and £50 for fourth.

Although it is a competition, the whole point of the contest is for young people to get up on stage and enjoy themselves.

Deb Dyer, organiser of the competition, said the idea was to encourage youngsters to show what they can do.

She said: "The competition is really about giving young people the chance to discover their talents. While there are many children who perform well academically or on the sports pitch, some come alive when they are on the stage. Whether they are singing, dancing or reading poetry, it is always wonderful to see young people shine when they get the chance to perform.

"Being under the spotlights with a room full of people watching you can be nerve-racking, but for some it gives them a real buzz. It is incredible to see their energy and passion when they are on stage, and taking part in something like this can help develop their confidence and their characters.

"I have no doubt that there are hundreds of talented youngsters out there, and now they have a great chance to be a real star."

Last year the competition was won by 12-year-old Jessie Carter, who dazzled the judges and crowds alike performing songs from Jesus Christ Superstar and Phantom Of The Opera.

Another graduate of Junior Search for a Star is Marisa Billitteri, who won the title in 2003.

Marissa, now 21, went on to pick up the senior trophy four years later, and then last year found fame on TV's The X Factor as part of the all-girl group, Girlband.

The competition is now open. To enter, fill out the form in the Bristol Evening Post and return it by September 20.