AUDITIONS for the Young Soprano of the Year competition are being held today.

The judges will listen to the tapes of 12 youngsters singing a song of their choice.

They will then chose six finalists who will be invited to sing live in front of judges at Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Darlington, on April 15.

The competitors are aged from 12 to 16 and come from all over the North-East.

The winner of the competition, supported by The Northern Echo, will perform two songs at the Last Night of the Proms charity concert, in Darlington's Dolphin Centre, in May.

The runner-up will be invited to perform at a Promenade of Youth concert being held the night before the Proms event.

Tickets for both events will be on sale soon.