POP Idol finalist Darius Danesh will appear alongside other top acts at the Feel the Noise Live event at the Stockton International Festival next month.

He will be joined at the five- hour music event on July 28 by big names such as the Lighthouse Family, Atomic Kitten, 3SL, Liberty X and the Sugababes, with more acts to be announced soon.

Darius, 21, rose to fame on the ITV talent contest Popstars. Despite not getting into the final Popstars group, Darius returned in the follow-up series Pop Idol. He impressed TV audiences, making it into the final three male contestants. Earlier this year, Scottish-born Darius performed on the sell-out Pop Idol UK tour and has just signed a deal with Mercury Records.

Cath Ellington, managing director of 96.6 TFM, said: "Darius is the ultimate Pop Idol and his unique performances and sheer determination kept the nation glued to their television sets throughout Popstars and Pop Idol.

"We are delighted to welcome Darius to the area and are certain he will have no trouble winning the Feel the Noise crowd's vote."