YOUNG hopefuls from across County Durham have lived out their pop star dreams before a packed audience.

More than 400 people filled the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley to see 23 acts take the stage for the Youth Clubs County Durham Stars in Your Eyes contest.

Youngsters from youth clubs in Chester-le-Street, Moorside, near Consett, Oxhill, near Stanley, Hesledon and Brandon took part, along with members of the Parkside Youth in Dance group from Seaham.

Holly Bates, of Oxhill, won best performance in the 13 to 16 age group, for her rendition of Cher's number one hit, Believe, which judges described as "powerfully fantastic".

Thirteen children from Parkside won the under-12s category.

They did a song and dance routine from the musical Annie.

The winner of the 17 and over group was the Chester Charvers, a group of five dancers from Chester-le-Street.

All the youngsters who took part received certificates, while the winners went home with trophies.

Alan Westwater, chairman of Youth Clubs County Durham, said: "It was wonderful to give the youngsters an opportunity to perform in a real theatre.

"I would like to thank all those who took part and also the Lamplight for offering us the venue."