A NORTH-EAST company which claims to help budding performers break into the entertainment industry is being investigated by trading standards officers.

Darlington-based Big Break Magazine offers actors, singers, dancers and models a photo session and an advert in a "casting directory" for a £195 fee.

It also promises to provide participants with "workshop training" and the chance to appear at a live event.

Those who join must sign a contract to say they will use Big Break as a management company if they find work as a result of appearing in the magazine.

On Friday, Darlington Trading Standards was contacted by a teenager who said she was approached in the street by someone from the company.

Fair trading officer Liz Crowe said the company was now being investigated.

"They are not in breach of any legislation," she said. "But my advice would be to be very careful of anyone who approaches you in the street offering you fame and fortune at a price.

"If it was a casting agency or a model agency they won't ask for a fee."

Company managing director Fiona Blackmore told The Northern Echo the magazine did canvas for members on the street.

"We approach a mix of ages. We don't ask if they'd like to join," she said. "We take their details and then contact them for an informal interview. We do not guarantee them work by any means."

She said the company, which was set up in October, would publish its first magazine before next January to be sent to people within the media industry.

She could not give details of who would receive it or the live events or workshops on offer for those signing up.

She said the advert would feature about 10 adverts per page. The Spotlight casting directory, acknowledged as the acting industry's recruitment bible, offers a half-page advert for £111.50.

Martin Brown, from the actors' union Equity, said Big Break appeared to be offering itself as an as agent to performers.

"Our advice has been for many years, never ever pay money up front to register with an agent. Only ever agree to work for an agent for commission on work found."