An X-Factor style competition for youngsters is coming to Southampton - and they welcome every kind of musical group from orchestras to duos, to rock and pop, for those aged between three and 21.

Simon Cowell will not be there, nor will the television cameras, but the 35th National Festival of Music for Youth will judge the talents of more than 40,000 contestants in over 60 festivals across the country.

There will be an opportunity to take part in the competition at Taunton's College, Hill Lane on March 22 and 23 next year for all styles of music at all levels of accomplishment.

The final stage of the Music for Youth year is the Schools Proms held at the Royal Albert Hall, London between November 7-9.

For more information call Music for Youth on 020 8870 9624. Closing date for recorded entries is March 1.