A YOUNG singer from Darlington has been given the Simon Cowell seal of approval after auditioning for Britain's Got Talent with his band.

Made Up North, which consists of a group of five schoolchildren aged ten and 11, sang 'Electricity' by Elton John for the panel of audition judges in Manchester in February – and their successful audition was screened on national television on Saturday night.

One of the five, Max Ferguson, aged ten, lives near Darlington and has loved singing since he was little.

The five were put through to the next round of the talent show by all four judges, who praised their bravery for auditioning at such a young age.

Mr Cowell said he could see his young son doing the same with his friends when he is older.

The other singers in the group are from Bridlington, Lancashire, Barnsley and Nottingham and were brought together by a singing teacher in January.

They practice together at least once a week and have become firm friends.

Max's mother, Susannah Ferguson, said he had loved singing since he was a toddler and was involved in a theatre school in Hurworth before joining the band.

She said: "They've become really good friends because they share a common interest and they all love it.

"Max is taking it all in his stride but we're obviously hopeful they can get through to the live shows."

Whilst singing is new to some of group, others – including Max – have been performing since they were young children.

This Saturday's show will feature the judges deliberating over which acts should go through to the live semi-final stage – and Made Up North will be notified if they have been successful or not.

Judges were impressed with their audition, however, with Alesha Dixon saying: "You're so cute and I hope you inspire lots of young boys to do something they're passionate about."

Amanda Holden said: "It was brilliant and you're ten. I couldn't imagine my own daughter doing that, it was so brave."

Mr Cowell added: "I just know Eric and his four mates are going to be the same thing in six years' time."

Britain's Got Talent is screened on ITV1 on Saturday night.