FORGET the X Factor - the W-Factor was what was on the lips of contestants during a talent show in Droitwich.

Young ballet dancers went head-to-head with aspiring pop stars during the first audition of the competition at Norbury Theatre in Friar Street on Wednesday.

The auditions are part of a search across the Wychavon distrit for future stars of screen or stage. Youngsters can perform in any arts discipline - music, dance or comedy.

Abby Davies, aged 12, of Primsland, Droitwich thrilled the three judges with her pitch-pefect performance of Amazing Grace.

Abby, who attends Droitwich Spa High School and has ambitions to be a professional singer, did not let her cough get in the way of her performance.

Abby, who prefers country and western to pop, said: "I don't get nervous before a song. I only get nervous when I come back out afterwards. I will certainly give the competition my best shot."

Elizabeth Gandy, 15, of Droitwich Spa High School, brought a flavour of the West End to her performance of Somebody to Love from hit stage show We Will Rock You, the musical tribute to rock band Queen.

Her dad Alan hinted his daughter may get her talents from him and said: "I'm very proud of her - I'm good at singing in the bathroom."

Sarah Sprenkel, 10, of Worcester Road, Droitwich, who attends Witton Middle School performed unaccompanied the song "Hey Punchinello".

Her mother Mags Sprenkel, 41, said: "I'm extremely proud of her - it's her first audition. We didn't know how it would go but we're very pleased."

Successful acts will receive further training opportunities and will be invited to perform at future Wychavon events like summer festivals.

Jenny Davis, arts development officer at Wychavon District Council, said: "I've been impressed with people's bravery, with children as young as 11 dancing on their own. That's impressive for youngsters of their age."

School friends Brian Hinton, 16, and Jennifer Hebden, 17, from Droitwich Spa High School, performed My Hero by the Foo Fighters.

The next auditions are at Bredon Village Hall on Wednesday, January 30, Pershore riverside centre on Thursday, January 31, and Evesham public hall on Wednesday, February 6. Auditions are open to young people aged 11 to 18.

The final is scheduled to take place at Evesham public hall on Thursday, February 28.

For more information or an application form call Katherine Williams on 01386 565497 or e-mail katherine.williams@wychavon.gov.uk