A TALENT show designed to provide teenagers with their own ticket to fame and fortune will reach its climax next week.

On Sunday, June 29, the finals of talentSTAR's live auditions will be held in the Gala Theatre in Durham, where 25 performers chosen from more than 1,000 young hopefuls will battle for the winning place.

The finalists have all been selected by their peers during 20 heats at schools and colleges in County Durham, Tyneside and Wearside.

Judi Johnson, music teacher at the Hermitage School in Chester-le-Street, said: "I thought the show was a fantastic opportunity for young people to work alongside professionals and get a taste of what it is like to perform to a live audience and under pressure.

"It gave them a chance to show off individual talents, which, because of the pressure schools are under to deliver a National Curriculum and produce high exam results, kids do not often have the opportunity to do."

The winner will pick up a music industry prize consisting of a website, photo shoot and recording sessions with leading producers.

One of the recorded tracks will put onto a compilation CD and sent to more than 450 UK record labels, publishers and producers.

Tickets are available by ringing the box office on 0191-332 4041.