IF you think you have the X factor you could win £1,000 by showcasing your talent in Northwich in the new year.

The money is the prize for the winner of Northwich X Factor, which is seeking to uncover the town’s top talent.

The competition will take place in January, with the auditions being held at the Harlequin Theatre and the final at the Winnington Park Recreation Club.

The organisers are hoping the contest will attract between 30 and 40 people, and the judges will choose 10 to go through to the final.

The competition is being organised by husband and wife Wayne and Joanne Storey and Gaynor Sinar, and is aimed at all ages, from 12 up.

“We want to find the talent in Northwich and give them a showcase,” said Gaynor.

“I am interested in everything to do with Northwich, and it is very important that things which promote families take place in the town.

“This competition will bring everybody together, of all age groups, and will be a real family event.

“We would like to have between 30 and 40 entries, and to see as many people as possible, including family and friends, coming along to the auditions and the final to cheer on the contestants.”

The auditions take place at the theatre in Queen Street, Northwich, from 1pm on Sunday, January 11, and all entrants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The final will be held at the recreation club on Saturday, January 31, at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the auditions are £2, and for the final are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

All entrants must be aged 12 or above, there is no upper age limit, and entrants must live in the CW8 or CW9 postcode area.

All profits from the competition will go to local charities.

Audition forms are available from Curtain Magic, HD Travel, Omnia Boutique and the Harlequin Theatre, and for more details ring 606033 or 48883.

The competition is supported by Northwich and District Youth Centre, Stage Coach theatre group, Amplify Youth Music Project, Northwich Music Centre, Northwich Independent Retailers Association, Cheshire West and Chester Council, HD Travel and Project 9.