AMATEUR performers are invited to take to the stage this weekend as part of the Orange Darlington Festival.

Alpha 103.2 is hosting the annual talent competition at the festival, which runs throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

Young performers will show off their talents between 2pm and 4pm, in Darlington Market Square, when there will be heats for under-11s and for 11 to 15-year-olds.

Winners of both the children's heats will receive an Orange goody bag and a place in the grand final on Monday.

Over-16s will perform between 2pm and 4pm on Monday, and will be joined by the other winners for the final later that day.

A spokeswoman for Alpha 103.2 said: "We have had hundreds of entrants from people of all ages and we are looking through them now to decide who will get the chance to perform during the festival."

Winner of last year's competition, 22-year-old Matt Hilton, will be taking to the stage again before Monday's final.

He won the competition with a rendition of Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman.

Matt, who lives and works in Darlington, said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to perform before this year's Orange Darlington Festival Talent competition final. I had great fun last year and wish all participants the very best of luck."

The Orange Darlington Festival is presented by Darlington Borough council, sponsored by Orange and supported by Century FM and The Northern Echo.