BEDROOM rockers should start tuning their imaginary guitars in preparation for the North-East heat of the UK Air Guitar Championships.

Music lovers young and old will be invited to strum their stuff on stage in Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

The contest, at The Cornerhouse at 8pm, gives people the chance to act out their rock star dreams with fellow fantasists and possibly make it to the national final in London.

Bob Fischer, of Cornerhouse Productions, said: "This is the perfect event for all those hairy old rockers who like nothing more than standing in front of the mirror and pretending they've got a Stratocaster between their fingers.

"For between three and five minutes, you are a rock star. It's magic and there's no other experience like it on Earth."

The championships started in Brighton eight years ago and have since toured around the world.

It costs £2.99 to take part and anyone interested can fill in an entry form online at www.ukairguitar.com or sign up on the night.