Youth is to get its chance to shine as part of Ipswich Has Got Talent.

IPSWICH: Youth is to get its chance to shine as part of Ipswich Has Got Talent.

Originally the showbiz showcase, which is part the police's SMILE (Safety Makes Ipswich Life Enjoyable) campaign, was open to aspiring entertainers aged 18 and over.

However, the competition's organisers have been inundated with requests from 16 and 17 year olds desperate for a chanced to show what they can do.

The original age limit was put in place because all the locations for the heats were at licensed premises.

Now, due to the volume of teenagers desperate to enter the contest, special provision has been made for youths to take part.

A joint adult and youth heat will take place at The Golden Hind in Nacton Road on October 25, while a specific date has been set for 16 and 17-year-old entrants at The Railway in Foxhall Road on November 15 from noon to 3pm.

Police community support officer Kevin Smith, one of the organisers of Ipswich Has Got Talent, said: “This is due to the overwhelming response the competition has had.

“Now we can involve a lot more of the community. I have had 30 calls so far from youngsters.”

Mr Smith said as a special prize for the person or group judged to be the top youth talent they will be given four hours in a recording studio.

Four heats of Ipswich Has Got Talent have already been held at the Milestone, Brickmakers Arms, the Spread Eagle and Mojos.

The standard of the entrants has impressed the judges.

Mr Smith said: “The quality of the singers we have had has been quite outstanding. Ipswich definitely has got talent.”

The heats will culminate in a grand final at the Corn Exchange on December 16.

Mr Smith stressed the competition is open to all kinds of entertainers, including comedians, jugglers, and dancers.

All profits from Ipswich Has Got Talent will go to the mayor's charities.

Among the other pubs and clubs holding heats for people aged 18 and over are Edwards, the Summerhouse, the Earl Kitchener and the Grinning Rat.

For more information about Ipswich Has Got Talent telephone Kevin Smith on 07798 888900 or the pubs involved.