THE singer hailed as Britain's answer to Celine Dion on a TV talent show has been lined up for a North-East festival.

Karen McManus, 28, of Peterlee, County Durham, who appeared on BBC 1's Star For a Night in January, is one of five acts booked for the Allensford Roots Music Festival, at Allensford, near Consett, on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

The former club singer, who started singing at karaoke nights, was likened to the superstar by panellist Nigel Martin-Smith, former manager of boy band Take That.

The festival will be her first stage appearance in the region.

She has been busy recording her debut album at Consett studio Northern Recording, organiser of the event.

Karen's music is a blend of pop and "new'' country, and is attracting interest from major record labels.

Backed by a new band, she will showcase the album, which features original material and songs by artists such as Bonnie Rait, Sinead O'Connor and Tom Robinson.

Also on the bill are Bobby Valentino and Los Pistoleros, who play a mix of western swing and country, Geordie funk band Summerlands, and blues, gospel and country band Laughing Gravy.

Festival organiser John Kearney said: "The Roots Festival is always a great day out, and it gets bigger and better.

"It's in a fantastic woodland setting on the river bank with a friendly atmosphere, loads of activities for kids, fairground rides, displays, craft tents, beer tent and food, along with six hours of the best live music around."

The event starts at noon, admission is free and buses will run to and from Consett town centre. The last will leave Allensford an hour after the festival ends.