SINGERS of all ages took to the stage in Bolton town centre today for another round of a big competition.

Sing Bolton Sing is in its fourth weekend of heats at the Market Place Shopping Centre and the town keeps on offering up talented performers.

Judges were treated to ballads, acoustics, West End musical numbers and even a bit of Tom Jones.

Market Place has teamed up with The Bolton News and Bolton FM to host the competition in search of the town’s best voice.

And there is a whopping £10,000 prize up for grabs for the winner and £3,000 and £1,000 for two runners up.

There was a strong showing of local talent, including 18-year-old Charlotte Evans from Westhoughton who performed her own songs and child minder Robyn Peake from Farnworth.

The 18-year-old sung ‘Our Day Will Come’, as covered by Amy Winehouse, and Etta James’ ‘At Last’.

She said: “It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

“It was a good experience, scary but good.”

With the competition well underway, singers are also coming in from further afield to try their luck.

Among them were six-year-old Ava Wilding from Swinton with a rendition of Maria Carey’s ‘Hero’ and 61-year-old David Chui from Salford with The Platters ‘Only You’.

Ava’s mum Terry said: “This time last year she wouldn’t even say her name in front of a room of people!

“This is her first solo performance and she was amazing! I’m so proud of her!”

Mr Chui said: “Everyone who has gone up has been an amazing singer, I’m just going to enjoy the experience!”

Heats are being held live in the centre every Saturday, and two acts from each heat will be put forward for the final on April 22.

To book your 20-minute slot in the audition heats, just email your name, age, address, mobile number, a list of Saturday dates you are available and a photo of yourself to cathy@marketplacebolton.co.uk, who will respond with the time and date of your audition.

Come prepared with a choice of two songs and either bring your own instruments or music with you on your mobile on the day, it can be plugged into the sound system.