RISING stars from Worcester's music scene have been given the chance to electrify audiences at the prestigious Urban Music Awards (UMA).

Charlotte Holland and Carla Mangamiello have been selected to compete for the opportunity of a lifetime - singing live at the award ceremony in London in October.

Both have also reached the final stages of the Text Factor competition at Sin Bar, New Street, Worcester. They were hand-picked by one of the contest's judges Jordan Kensington, who is from the Invincible Media Group and founder of the UMA.

Miss Holland, aged 22, from Worcester, who describes herself as a soulful rock chick, is used to life in the limelight, having performed ballet since the age of three and musical theatre since the age of seven.

She said: "Jordan Kensington was asked by organisers to pick anyone with star quality and I have been selected to compete."

Miss Mangamiello, 16, from Lobelia Close, St Peter's, Worcester, specialises in pop ballads and is a big fan of American singer LeAnn Rimes.

Both singers will compete for a £10,000 prize, the possibility of a record deal with Sony and the chance to sing at the ceremony.

Both are also competing to get to the final of Text Factor at Sin Bar, at 7pm on Wednesday, April 11.

Paul Todd, founder of Text Factor, said the final was expected to have a James Bond Casino Royale theme.

Tickets cost £3 and are available from the venue.