Four judges will follow in the footsteps of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh by casting their critical eyes over hopefuls at Preston's Wall Street bar in Fishergate next Wednesday night.

Contracts are being offered by new Fulwood-based record company Fangberry Records as part of its official launch party.

Lead producer John Livesley said: "A possible three record contracts could be up for grabs.

"We will have four judges, including myself, with vocal coach Joe Martin being like Simon Cowell – he is very harsh.

"We want somebody who is versatile, who can do justice to any song and who is a bit powerful like Leona Lewis."

The record company, which started in April, has already been selling songs online and is in negotiations to sell music through media giant iTunes.

Mr Livesley added: "If this place wants to call itself a city, it's going to need its own big boys to compete with London, Manchester and Liverpool."

The company's executive producer Leigh O'Reilly said his business was already looking to expand by moving into the city centre.

He said: "We are really excited with what's happening.

"We have some of the best talent in the North West and we are giving them exposure.

"We want as many people through the doors next week as possible – we have got some very good local people."

The auditions will start at Wall Street from 7pm on Wednesday, with the main party kicking off at 8pm. Everyone is welcome.

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