Customers of a Bradford bank flocked to an audition to show they have what it takes to be a TV star.

Abbey National wants customers for its new adverts. Wannabes were asked to read from Emmerdale, EastEnders or Coronation Street scripts and had just moments to impress judges.

And first up was Richard Knowles, from Idle, who is doing a degree in Theatre Studies at Huddersfield University. The 20-year-old has his heart set on becoming a star.

"I read about the audition in the Telegraph & Argus and thought I would give it a go," he said. "I would definitely love to have a career in showbusiness and this would be a great start."

Richard read from an EastEnders script and proved a big hit with the judges, who included Jackie Firth from the Bradford Kirkgate branch of Abbey National.

Mrs Firth said: "I thought he was fantastic. It's a brilliant idea and everybody so far has been really good. I am very impressed with the standard."

Next up was 13-year-old Rachel Henley, of Chevin End Road, Menston.

A pupil at The Girls' Grammar School, Bradford, Rachel was not shy and eased into her role as Peggy Mitchell with wig.

After a performance which won the applause of onlookers, Rachel said: "I have been Wendy in Peter Pan and loved flying about. I want to be in the advert because it would be great to be famous."

Her father, Mike, said: "She heard there was an audition going on and made me bring her down. She's brilliant, a bit of a drama queen, and I'm sure she'll do well."

But Michael Thompson, from Keighley, had a different reason for taking part - to pay off his overdraft. The 32-year-old, of Braithwaite Avenue, said: "I heard that the people who get through to the next round get some money so I thought I would come down."

Donning a chestnut wig for his role as Bernice in Emmerdale, Michael had a great time. "It was a laugh. I am glad there is no-one else from Keighley here though."

Keith Moor, head of marketing, said the idea was to break down barriers between the bank - which has its northern HQ in Bradford - and customers.

"Wal-Mart has been using customers in its adverts in America for ten years now. We are doing the same."

There will be auditions in Milton Keynes and Croydon and then lucky hopefuls will be invited for a more formal screen test.

"We are looking for confidence and that certain something. It is not really about making any one person a star but who knows where it could lead."