THE hunt is on for the next George Sampson as the city launches its own Chester’s Got Talent competition.

Connexions, which runs youth services in Cheshire, and The Wesley Church Centre, St John Street, Chester are joining forces to put Chester’s 13 to 19 year olds centre stage.

Chester’s Got Talent is a new talent competition seeking out the city’s best stage performers giving young local artists a chance to perform to the public.

Davey Leaning, of the Connexions Chester Hub, said: “Response from young people to the idea of the competition has already been very enthusiastic. We are planning at least three ‘heats’ nights - April 1-3 - building to a climax on finals night, Saturday, April 4.

“Our approach is to use the best of the ITV Britain’s Got Talent formula but with a strong local flavour. It should be great fun for everyone involved.”

Andrew Herbert of The Wesley Church Centre was quick to offer a city centre venue for the event.

He said: “We don’t want the event to be a ‘battle of the bands’ but to encourage a wide range of acts.

“Anything goes – bands, soloists, poets, mime artists, jugglers, magicians, comedians – with plenty of heats and practice space to give as many as possible a chance to perform before the final.”

Prizes will include cash sums of up to £100, plus a range of other prizes being finalized to include studio time, air time and music equipment.

For application / information packs: contact Connexions, Chester Hub on 01244 602 812.