YOUNG singers from across the region last night competed for the chance to star at the Darlington Proms.

The last stage of the Williams the Music People Young Singer contest, was held at Elm Ridge Methodist Church in the town.

Seven young performers, aged 12 to 17, faced the spotlight for the winning title and the opportunity to sing at the forthcoming Music for Darlington 2005 Proms, supported by The Northern Echo. The winner, Charlotte Broadbent, aged 16, from Eryholme, near Darlington, will be asked to sing at the Last Night of the Proms on Saturday, May 14.

Meanwhile, runner-up, Georgia McIntyre, aged 12, of Darlington, will be performing at the Promenade for Youth, on Friday, May 13. Laura Hegarty, 17, also from Darlington, was awarded third place.

The concerts will be held at Darlington's Dolphin Centre, in Horsemarket, and are in aid of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington Mind, The Corps of Army Music Trust and other local charities.

Jane Bradshaw, of St Teresa's Hospice, said: "It was a very high standard. The thing we were impressed with was the young ages of the contestants this year. The winner, who has a beautiful soprano voice is only 16 and of course the runner-up was 12. It's great to know there are young people about with such enthusiasm."