YOUNGSTERS from across Hampshire have launched their bid to become the region's Dance Idol 2004.

More than 240 youngsters, aged five to 16, took part in three heats at leisure centres across Southampton in the Daily Echo and Southampton City Council competition.

From the heats 36 youngsters will go through to the grand final at the St Mary's Leisure Centre, South-ampton, on October 31.

See tomorrow's Daily Echo for a colour eight-page picture supplement of the heats.