THE search is on for a lucky North West youngster to sing with Steps star Faye Tozer.

One child will be given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing a Christmas carol with the pop star, backed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

BBC North West Tonight has just launched its Christmas with Faye competition, which is open to all seven to 11 year olds.

The winner will be filmed at one of the BBC's Manchester studios singing Away in a Manger, with Faye and will then be featured on Friday, December 21 in BBC North West Tonight. The winner will also go back stage at a Steps concert and meet the chart-topping group in person.

To enter, youngsters should send a song, either on audio or video tape, along with brief details of themselves to Christmas with Faye Competition, BBC North West Tonight, BBC, Oxford Road, Manchester, M60 1SJ. Entries should be in by Friday, November 16.

Four finalists will be chosen to be judged by presenters Gordon Burns and Dianne Oxberry, Philharmonic Orchestra general manager, Brian Pidgeon and of course, the Steps star herself. The final decision will be made on Monday, December 3.