MORE than 100 people have been seeking a chance to step up to the mic for Bolton's own version of the X-Factor.

Since launching Sing Bolton Sing, the Bolton Market Place applications from singers hoping to prove to be its big star have come flying in.

The shopping centre is on the hunt for talented vocalists from around the town to compete in the competition which is offering a £10,000 grand prize.

Market Place marketing and events manager Cathy Savage said: "We have been inundated with people wanting to take part, there have been over a hundred people so far, and we are absolutely overjoyed with the amount of interest.

"We have had all ages applying but more boys than girls so far, a few groups and only one choir — so any choirs, male singers and stage schools who wanted to put some of the their students forward are welcome to get in touch.

"It is still early days though and there are plenty of places available.

"We knew there were a lot of bands in Bolton but we're surprised at how many!"

The competition is open to amateurs of all ages from around Bolton and, along with the grand prize, there is a second prize of £3,000 and £1,000 for third place.

From January 28 there will be 11 heats taking place every Saturday, finishing with a grand final on April 22 at a just to be disclosed location.

Anyone from soloists, duos, groups, bands and choirs are invited to take to the stage in the Market Place where they will have a 20 minute slot to perform two songs for the public and a panel of judges.

The panel then chose the top two from each week who will go through to the final.

While the chance to sing has proved popular, organisers are still searching for members of the public to judge acts during the heat and for one member to join the panel — which includes Maxine Cherrie of Bolton Rock Choir, and a member of The Bolton News team and Bolton FM team — for the final.

Mrs Savage added: "It would be great to get more people involved in judging.

"It will be all fun on the day and we will make everyone feel very welcome."

To find out how to enter visit the competition website at www.boltonmarketplace.co.uk/entertainment/sing-bolton-sing.