THE successful Popstars contestants are heading for chart success with their first single.

But two hopefuls who did not make the band, called Hear'Say, are holding their own version of the show in County Durham.

Call centre worker Stuart Pawley, 22, of Dipton, near Stanley, made it through to the last 60 of ITV's find-a-star-of-the-future show.

Despite the disappointment of not being picked, he is still hoping to launch a career in the music business.

He has teamed up with fellow Popstars reject Joseph McLean to form the nucleus of an all-boy or boy and girl band.

Tomorrow, they will put other pop wannabes through their paces at auditions in Consett Civic Hall.

The original plan was to form a boy trio, but the outfit could be three lads and two lasses.

Stuart's brother Andrew, who is overseeing the launch of the band, said: "People are coming from all over the country. Nothing will be decided on the day. It will be more of an informal thing to get to know people.

"We're going to go up to the Baja Beach Club, in Gateshead, on the night to get to know people.

"Attitude is all important. The pair are down to earth and we need people who will fit in with that. Hopefully we'll find the right people for the band.''

The hopefuls have responded to Stuart's Internet site, and an advert in The Northern Echo seeking recruits.

Andrew and his proteges have high hopes as their plans have attracted record company and management interest.

Last-minute hopefuls can ring Andrew on (0774) 0195855 for details of the audition