ARE you feeling the strain of the credit crunch?

Then why not turn your talents into cold, hard cash, by taking part in this year's Scunthorpe Telegraph Pub Idol competition – where the top prize is a cool £500!

And, with plenty of other fantastic prizes up for grabs, the competition is sure to be tough.

The race is on to snap up places for the first eight heats of the contest which will kick off on July 20.

Robin Bate, head of advertising at the Scunthorpe Telegraph, said: "No matter how inexperienced or experienced the contestants are, there are always a few surprises along the way, which adds to the excitement of the competition.

"So what we urge of people is that if they like singing in the shower or spend their evenings on SingStar, come and give it a go.

"This is everyone's chance to feel a bit like a star – at least for one night – and you never know, you might surprise yourself and end up in the final competing for the big prize!"

This year's competition is also open to contestants as young as 16, making the competition more fierce than ever.

Chrissie Austin, one of the competition organisers, said: "We have already had a lot of interest in this year's Pub Idol competition and places are filling up fast.

"However, there are still spots left, so any singing sensations out there who fancy giving it a go should get in touch. It's great fun and the winner will receive a great boost to their finances just in time for Christmas."

This year's competition will take place over eight judged heats – with a special wildcard event to decide who gets the ninth place in the final.

And the wildcard contestants will be decided by Scunthorpe Telegraph readers in an X Factor style text vote – where you can bring back your favourite runner-up from each of the first eight heats for another shot at the crown.

The nine finalists will then battle it out in a grand final showdown at the Reeds Hotel in Barton-Upon-Humber at the end of September – and it could spell the start of a new life for the winner.

Joanne Taylor was crowned winner of the Scunthorpe Telegraph Pub Idol 2008 contest last September.

The 27-year-old, of Scotter Road, Scunthorpe, walked away with the coveted Pub Idol 2008 trophy and a cheque for £500.

So if you are a soulful singer, a tuneful crooners or a perfect performer, here is your chance to shine.

Forget Leona Lewis and bin those Will Young CDs, Pub Idol is the competition that uncovers true local talent.

For the full story and competition details, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.