TODAY the search begins for East Lancashire’s most talented musician or singer.

The competition, organised by Reidy’s Home of Music and supported by the Lancashire Telegraph, carries a fabulous £1,000 first prize.

Application forms are now available for the contest with auditions to be held on the in-store stage at Reidys in Blackburn.

The successful artists will go through to four heats at Blakeys in King George’s Hall in February with the grand final on Thursday, March 7.

The winner will receive a £1,000 voucher to spend at Reidys.

Paul Nuttall, managing director at Reidys said: “So many competitions these days focus just on singing, but we believe that the musicians who play and write the songs are unsung heroes who deserve to have the same opportunity to showcase their talent.