THE cream of the region's budding pop talent will perform a showcase concert this weekend.

Dozens of youngsters hoping to be the next big thing are taking part in the event, held at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley.

The Christmas Pop Party, organised by talentSTAR, marks the last show in a 40-date tour of the region's schools and colleges.

It brings together the best acts from each school, who will work with pop band Aubrey Lemmon.

The Portsmouth-based band is spending this week hosting workshops at who took part in the talentSTAR tour.

Adam Chetter, of talentSTAR, said: "We have 30 fantastic acts performing in the show and it will be a great evening entertainment for all the family. A show not to be missed.

"Apart from Aubrey Lemmon, all of the acts are from the North-East and it is a great advert for local music."

Mr Chetter set up talentSTAR last year as an online resource for music artists. To date it has attracted more than 4,000,000 visitors to its web site from all over the world.

Its events programme is supported by The Prince's Trust and the Arts Council North East.

The talentSTAR Christmas Pop Party Tickets takes place in the Lamplight Arts Centre this Saturday from 7pm. Tickets are available from the box office by calling (01207) 218899.