NEXT week sees the return of the annual Undiscovered Youth Talent Contest, organised by The Door youth project, sponsored by the Stroud News and Journal and BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

For the fifth year in a row, the contest will be showcasing a wealth of young local talent, performing in Stroud's Subscription Rooms.

"In past years, this event has been a complete sell out," said Door spokesman Brendan Conboy, "and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive."

What little criticism there has been has come in a very positive form.

"Some spectators have said that they would like to have seen more bands and more original material," added Brendan. "Well this year, we've achieved that.

"Forty-four acts were seen at audition in November and the top 24 have been asked to take part in the grand final.

"Six of the 24 are bands: Measured Pleasure, Irritant, No Cure for Regret, SubJustice, Emmpath STET and the Tom Coleman Flamenco Quartet.

"There's also two singer/songwriters in the final, so 30 percent of the night is original material."

It should not be supposed that a lack of original material makes the other contestants any less valid or exciting.

"The dance and vocal acts just keep getting better and better," said Brendan. "This year's audience are guaranteed to be watching some West End and singing stars of the future!"

The judges include: actors Kim Baker and Colin Prockter, choreogragher Alistair Bull, WOMAD's Steve Field, Roger Sanders, organiser of last year's Stroud Fringe Festival and, "hopefully, McFly producer Hugh Padgham".

The grand final is at the Subscription Rooms on Saturday, January 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4.50 or £3.50 for under 16s and are available from he box office.