YOUNG singers across East Lancashire have been invited to a choral version of the X Factor-style ‘Boot Camp’.

There will be no Simon Cowell at the event at Lancashire’s main Church of England place of worship and religious musical showcase.

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Instead, the ‘judge’ will be Blackburn Cathedral’s director of music Samuel Hudson, who is looking for both male and female young singers for its choirs.

He will take the hopefuls through their musical paces and introduce them to what life as a chorister is all about.

There are 40 places available – 20 for boys and 20 for girls - aged between 7 and 10.

The two-day ‘Boot Camp’ will be at the cathedral on Friday and Saturday, January 2 and 3.

Blackburn’s opera superstar Kathleen Ferrier took singing lessons from one of Mr Hudson’s predecessors at the cathedral, Thomas L Duerden, in the 1930s.

The mezzo-soprano later became one of the most famous and highest-paid singing stars in the world before her untimely death, aged 41, in October 1953.

Mr Hudson said: “Here at Blackburn Cathedral we know how much fun singing is and also how much it can enhance the education and lives of children. For anyone who really enjoys singing we have the perfect course.

“I never fail to be struck by just how transformative an experience singing can be, especially for youngsters.

“Those who attend this course will meet new friends, have a great time singing and making music, and may just discover a world of opportunities which could change their life.

“And that really is no exaggeration – I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

The course is free and will include team-building games and tours of the cathedral.

There are currently vacancies in the cathedral choir and cathedral girls’ choir.

At the end of the course some of those taking part could be offered a place as a chorister.

For information contact Samuel.Hudson@blackburncathedral.co.uk or visit www.blackburncathedral.com by Friday.