Ilkley's answer to Gareth Gates will be named at the finals of Wharfedale Music Festival's Pop Star competition this weekend.

Five teenage finalists will battle it out for the musical crown by performing just one song each at Ilkley Grammar School on Saturday afternoon - the opening day of this year's Festival.

A new, modern addition to the event's largely more traditional repertoire, the 'search for a pop star' theme has proved a massive success.

Each of the finalists, all aged between 14 and 19, have already had the chance to record their song in a professional studio - and had the results broadcast to thousands via BBC Radio Leeds each morning this week.

Organiser of Pop Star - Make It Happen, music teacher and musician Judith Mills, said: "The five who are battling it out for the title of Wharfedale Pop Star 2003 have all been into the BBC's studios in Leeds so they've already had a great experience.

"And one of the guest adjudicators, Andrew Edwards, is a morning radio presenter so he has been plugging one of their songs each day, too.

"They all just have one performance left now which will decide it, so it is going to be very close and quite nerve wracking.

"The response has been so good that we are looking at introducing four more new competitions next year, including categories like Singer Songwriter and Pop Bands, so it is very exciting.

"We're also arranging classes on stage craft as a follow on to this, because a lot of those who didn't make it were very musically talented but just didn't know how to act on stage."

The introduction of the Pop Star format is the latest move to make the Festival, which is nearly 100 years old, more appealing to a wider audience.

With the same aim, Festival Secretary Liz Holbrook, has already helped introduce new categories like Jazz, Asian classes and modern dance.

Urging as many people as possible to come along and support the finalists on Saturday, she said: "It has been brilliant and inspired us to think of all kinds of other things, including a Young Composer of the Year competition, for next year.

"We are expecting a lot of parents at the final but we'd also like as many people as possible to come along, too, to see the performances and cheer them on. The finalists are all being given make-overs and choreography lessons so it's going to be a very professional do, and they deserve a good audience!"

The final starts at 1.30pm in the Upper Hall of Ilkley Grammar School and costs £2.50 on the door, which includes refreshments.

The winner will be asked to perform at the festival's Gala Concert which takes place at the King's Hall on Saturday, May 17.