IPSWICH'S most gifted singers and dancers are exercising their voices and stretching their limbs in preparation for Idol 2008.

IPSWICH'S most gifted singers and dancers are exercising their voices and stretching their limbs in preparation for Idol 2008.

The final round of regional auditions for the national talent competition takes place at the Corn Exchange this Sunday and two hopefuls can't wait to impress the team of judges.

The contest, which is open for both singers and dancers to enter, offers competitors the opportunity to perform live in front of large audiences as well as the chance to win up to £25,000 in prizes.

Taking part in the dance final will be Yasmin Cook from Kirton, while Ipswich songstress Jade Peters will be giving it her all in the singing final.

Yasmin made it through with a dance routine which features a range of dance styles including hip hop, contemporary and gymnastics.

The 16-year-old Orwell High student is a former national squad gymnast and regional champ and now coaches gymnastics at Gainsborough Sports Centre.

She took up dancing in recent years and is a member of FX Youth Dance Company based in Felixstowe whose break-dancing skills have been showcased at The Wolsey Theatre.

Yasmin said: “The live regional final should be really good, there's going to be some great acts and it's going to be amazing to watch and of course perform.”

Jade Peters, of Forfar Close, is hoping to hit the high notes and sing her way into the final - and she's taking 50 friends and family members along for support.

The 16-year-old narrowly missed out on the later rounds of this year's X-Factor competition, so she's keen to prove her star quality to the judges.

The Northgate Sixth Former plans to wow the crowd with her rendition of Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'.

She said: “I'm really looking forward to it but I know there'll be lots of other good performers there.

“I want stardom as soon as possible!”

If Yasmin and Jade continue with their success, one of them could be crowned the UK' s 2008 Idol in front of a capacity crowd at the national final in November.

The dance final is at 1.15pm on Sunday, followed by the under 18 singers at 4.45pm and over 18 singers at 7.45pm.

Tickets are £7.50 and available on the day.

Are you one of Ipswich's future superstars? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk