MORE than 2,000 young performers are gearing up to take part in the region's answer to Pop Idol.

Singers, dancers, bands and musicians from County Durham, Teesside and Tyne and Wear are putting the finishing touches to their performances ready for the first round of talentSTAR 2004.

The event starts next Monday and runs until the end of June. It will take in more than 40 North-East schools and colleges and over 20,000 people will see the shows.

The best acts from each date will go through to the grand final to try to win the chance to cut a demo of a song in the studio. The winner will also get a web site, plus a glossy photo shoot.

The contest is organised by Genius Entertainment, based in Stanley.

Adam Chetter, head of development, said: "So much was achieved on the first tour and so many performers took so much away from appearing on the tour, that the demand has been there for its return.

"The tour isn't so much about finding stars but about giving opportunities to youngsters who don't get the chance to perform in a professional environment.

"We know that there is an awful lot of talent from the North-East but so little opportunities for artists to perform."

The tour follows a successful pilot project earlier this year when 20 schools took part.

Singer-songwriter Biba Christie, from Woodham School in Newton Aycliffe, won the competition and had her debut song Wait For You, played to over a million listeners on BBC Radio Five.

The first venue is South Moor Comprehensive School in Sunderland, on Monday. The event will then embark on its tour of the region searching for the best talent, who will take part in the finals at Newcastle Opera House in June next year.

For a full list of tour dates, visit the web site, www.talentstar.net