OXFORDSHIRE’S housing associations are to launch a fresh search for stars in the making among their 25,000 tenants.

Founded three years ago as a talent competition for the Leys estates in Oxford, Starcatchers is now open to people across Oxfordshire living in Oxford City Council, A2 Dominion, Sovereign Vale, Catalyst and OCHA homes.

A boot camp for any budding contestants will be held at the Rover Sports and Social Club, in Roman Way, Cowley, on Saturday, June 25, before 12 finalists battle it out for first place on Saturday, July 23.

And, for the first time, all the participants will be able to join Club Starcatcher in the summer holidays, offering them extra tuition and advice from expert mentors.

Organiser Vikki Baker, of A2 Dominion, said: “Years ago, there used to be places where people could show off their talent.

“But nowadays, unless you can afford to go to stage school, it’s much more difficult.

“I can’t believe the people we have found since we started this two years ago.

“You put them on stage, and all their talent pours out. So many times, my jaw has just dropped, because these people are so amazing.”

Last year’s 100 applicants were aged from seven to 82, and included singers, rappers, hip-hop and street dancers, a beat poet and a Michael Jackson tribute act.

This year Miss Baker said she also was on the hunt for magicians, stand-up comedians, and novelty acts.

She said: “It’s not just about singing and dancing, it’s about everything.

“If you think you can juggle sausages and it’s entertaining, you should give it a go.”

Kidlington singer Elise Price, 15, won £1,000 when she won the competition last year singing the Jackson Five’s Want You Back and Rescue Me by Fontella Bass.

Following the competition, she has been in recording studios, performed at Oxford’s O2 Academy, and been contacted by record labels.

The Gosford Hill School pupil said: “I’ve been more noticed.

“I now know far more what I want to do. It gave me loads more confidence, and I have kept friends with all the people I met.

“I don’t know what the next step will be, but I will keep working hard and see what happens.

Starcatchers judge Fabia Cerra, from Blackbird Leys, who found fame with a burlesque dance in front of Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent, said: “Every year it seems like the people we find set the bar even higher.

“The reason we started this is because there are people out there singing or dancing in front of their bedroom mirror, and it takes competitions like this to get them noticed.

“We’re hoping we find people even better than in previous years, which will be very hard indeed.”

l Applications forms to enter this year’s event will be available from the A2 Dominion website next month.

lsloan@oxfordmail.co.uk