BUDDING Leona Lewis's and Will Youngs are encouraged to take part in a competition that could open the door to a successful singing career - and bag a share of £5,000.

After a fantastic first year, Text Factor is back with a bang at Sin in Worcester city centre, and organisers hope the contest, inspired by X Factor, will be bigger and better this time around.

Paul Todd, who runs Sin in New Street and is behind Text Factor, said it is a great opportunity for all sorts of singers.

"It's a good competition," he said. "It's the biggest competition in the Midlands for prize money that we have found.

"We have enquired and enquired but we can't find a competition that offers £5,000.

"From last year about seven of the acts are out gigging all the time because they have seen what they can achieve and got confidence from the competition. One group has just got back from touring Germany last week.

"They're working hard and it's opened the door for quite a few other people."

Like the ITV show a panel of judges will comment on performances and choose their favourite singers. However, members of the public can vote for the winner via text message.

Mr Todd said he has made slight changes to the competition after receiving feedback from last year's entrants.

"It's very similar to last year but we are going to tweak a few things and improve as you do," he said. "I would like to get just a few more acts if possible - we had about 30 enter last year and I would like to go to 40.

"We have got some who have already applied but we don't just want everyone from last year's competition. We need some new faces."

Mr Todd said he has also changed the night the 12-week competition will run on from a Wednesday to a Friday in the hope acts will be able to get more support from family and friends.

Another change is that the £5,000 prize money will not just go to the overall winner.

Instead it will be shared among other worthy acts, including those who improve the most. Mr Todd said he also intends to offer weekly prizes that could include a holiday.

Text Factor starts on Friday, February 8. Anyone wishing to become a contestant should contact Paul Todd on 07919 363737 or drop in to Sin or Bushwackers and pick up an application form.

Singers must be over 16 years old to enter, but there is no upper age limit and the competition is open to solo performers, duos, and groups.