Stars step into the spotlight

Budding young singers auditioned for the chance to perform to over 2,000 people and record their own album at The Camberley Theatre last month. The South Coast Idol competition held open auditions during the popular SNAP dance night, which is held at the theatre once a month and attracted a crowd of 430 youngsters on Friday, January 26. Twenty-five young people auditioned and two girls, Megan Knowles and Chloe East, made it through to the next round. Those who make it through to the final will perform at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday, May 26, to over 2,000 people. The overall winner will record their own album.

The Borough Council's Corporate Portfolio Holder Cllr Richard Brooks, who oversees youth issues, said: "The SNAP dance nights are a great example of partnership working with the police and Crimestoppers, and provide a safe place for young people to meet and enjoy themselves. We are delighted to link up with South Coast Idol on this occasion to give young people the chance to showcase their talent."

All those who auditioned did so in the theatre's studio for South Coast Idol organiser Chris Grayston who decided who should go through to the next round. Megan and Chloe both attend Hurst Lodge in Ascot and have scholarships in singing.

The competition has two categories, one for over 17s and one for under 17s.

SNAP, which stands for Say No and Phone, is Crimestoppers brand and the charity's first campaign aimed at young people and lifestyle choices.

Crimestoppers aims to make the community a safer place to live and grow up in and allows members of the public to pass on information about crime anonymously through its telephone number 0800 555 111.

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Ref: News 390

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