STARS of the future are to take part in a talent contest and North-East people are being urged to support them.

Festival4stars is gearing up for the Yorkshire regional final, on March 30, with Michael Bradley and Lauren Ridley, both from Stockton, among 30 finalists.

The event will be held in Leeds Civic Centre and Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas Dingle, in ITV's Emmerdale, will be there to support the finalists.

Tickets for the event cost £7.50 each and are available by contacting 0141-887 7451.

The contest aims to raise funds for the Variety Club of Great Britain.

Four winners from the regional final will go on to perform at the final, at a date and venue to be announced, later in the year.