THE cream of the region's budding pop talent comes together for 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, County Durham.

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, to work with pop band Aubrey Lemmon.

The Portsmouth-based band are spending this week giving workshops to schools across County Durham who took part in the talentSTAR tour.

talentSTAR's Adam Chetter 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 from all over the world.

Its events programme is supported by The Princes Trust and the Arts Council North East.

The talentSTAR Christmas Pop Party Tickets takes place in the Lamplight Arts Centre on Saturday (DEC 6) at 7pm. Tickets are available from the box office on (01207) 218899.