The search is on for the cream of Whitby's talent in a competition with a difference to rival ITV's X Factor - and the winner will scoop a £1,000 cash prize.

Singer and entertainer Matt Wisbey is organising Talent 2007 which is open to up-and-coming vocalists, bands and musicians of all ages from across the North East.

He has teamed up with the Granary, the Duke of York, The George Hotel, Rosie O'Gradys and the Whitby Gazette to produce the show which will run throughout this year at Whitby Pavilion Theatre.

The eight heats will take place on Wednesday nights throughout the year from January to October.

Contestants will get the chance to perform in front of an audience of up to 460 people in a theatre environment through a professional PA system with a spectacular light show.

The competition is open to all ages and abilities and there is no charge for entering.

The show is being judged by Whitby Gazette's very own Sharon Osbourne, Alex Fredman, band promoter Ricky Clarke and Ivan Marazzi who has staged gigs including the Sex Pistols and whose son was part of chart topping band A1 which sold 4 million records nationwide.

The judges will pick one winner from each heat but the public will also get a chance to vote by text, online or by filling in a coupon at the Pavilion to save one more of the contestants from each heat to go through to the grand final on 24 November.