SILVER-HAIRED singers are to battle it out for an award as pensioners from all over the North-East take part in a national music competition.

Contestants in the Yours Silver Stars Talent Contest have beaten off competition in towns and cities all over the region to win a place in the second round of Britain's biggest amateur show for the older generation.

The winners from the North-East area final will join fellow entertainers to perform in front of a 2,000-strong audience at the Grand UK Final, on July 30, at the famous Southport Theatre.

A judging panel will select the nation's most outstanding act who will be crowned Yours Silver Stars 2003 and receive £1,000.

Three runners-up will receive trophies and cash from a prize fund worth more than £16,000.

The regional final will take place at the Middlesbrough Theatre, on June 5, at 2pm.

Tickets cost £3. To purchase a ticket, contact the box office on (01642) 815181.