THREE local girls have been given the big thumbs up by judges at the TeenStar auditions, a brand new national talent competition.

They are Lucy Longden from Tenby, who is studying for her GCSEs at Ysgol Greenhill School; Taryn Leah Williams from Amroth, who is studying performing arts at Coleg Sir Gar; and Josie Lewis from Clerkenhill, Slebech, who is studying graphic art and design at Pembrokeshire College and is also a qualified sports masseuse.

Coached by Ian Evans LLCM (TD), the three singers have made it through to the Regional Finals and will now be performing at The Coal Exchange in Cardiff on March 24 in the live stages of the competition, which is searching for the UK's best teen and pre-teen singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

It is being brought by Future Music who already produce the hugely successful Open Mic UK competition, which has brought such acts as Birdy and Hatty Keane.

At The Coal Exchange, Lucy, Taryn and Josie will be performing in front of hundreds of audience members and a professional judging panel in a bid to win a place at the National Grand Final at the O2 in London, where the spotlight will be on all the acts with a chance to be signed.

Chris Grayston, events co-ordinator for TeenStar, commented: "We are looking to find an act that has something unique to offer, another Birdy that can go all the way, with both the ability to deliver a strong live performance, but also potential to become a professional recording artist. There is so much talent out there I'm sure we can find that star again!"

And who knows, perhaps it will be Lucy, Taryn or Josie. Good luck girls.