STREET buskers will sing it out in a Pop Idol-style contest to win a town's first busking permit.

The winner of Stockton Borough Council's Busk Idol competition will also get the chance to use a recording studio.

Auditions will be held at the Georgian Theatre on April 7, where hopefuls will perform in front of a panel of judges.

Twenty finalists will then be chosen to go through to the next stage and record a short track.

BBC Radio Cleveland will broadcast the entries from April 17 to 21, and listeners will be able to vote for their favourite, either by text, phone or online at www.buskidol.com to narrow it down to the top ten hopefuls. Those finalists will then perform live in Stockton High Street at various times from April 24 to 28, and again members of the public can vote for their favourite performer.

The winner will be selected by a panel of lookalike celebrity judges at a final sing-off in the town centre on Sunday, April 30.

As well as receiving permission to perform in Stockton throughout the year, the winner will also receive half a day in a recording studio. Runner-up prizes will also be given.

Sue Burgess, town centre manager, said: "Stockton is renowned as the home of street entertainment, thanks to the Stockton International Riverside Festival.

"This promises to be a great way to build on that reputation by finding the area's best buskers and provide entertainment for visitors and shoppers to Stockton town centre."

Councillor Jean O'Donnell, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "I am sure that this will be a wonderful event, and we want everyone to get involved and vote for their favourite and enjoy the music along the way."

For full details log on to www.buskidol.com or contact (01642) 505181.