THE hunt is on to find the best acts in Hambleton as a Thirsk’s Got Talent competition is launched.

Local businesses the Crab and Lobster, in Asenby, and the Frankland Arms, in Thirsk, have teamed up to run the event.

Auditions are to take place over four nights with a grand final to be staged on July 25 with the prize an overnight stay for two and a meal at the Crab Manor Hotel.

Janice Manson, landlady of the Frankland Arms, said: "We want this to be a friendly competition which everyone can be a part of..

"We hope that the fun it provides will help raise spirits throughout the community and give people some cheer during the economic doom and gloom."

Thirsk’s Got Talent is open to anyone aged 18 or above in the Hambleton area with acts a maximum of three people.

Entries cost £3.50 with the first heats at the Frankland Arms on Saturday, June 27 and they then run for the following three Saturdays.

More information is available by calling into the Frankland Arms or by calling 0797-405-8409.