KARAOKE kings and queens are warming up their vocal cords for a major competition in Huddersfield.

After the success of Pop Idol and Fame Academy, the Chicago Rock Cafe, on Kirkgate, has organised a karaoke contest in partnership with Home 107.9FM radio station.

Chicago Rock and 11 other local pubs will act as venues for the first heat of the contest, which will be held over 12 different dates during September, starting on September 4.

Two qualifiers from each of the 12 dates will go on to the semi-final at Chicago Rock.

Twelve people from the semi-final will enter the final, again at Chicago Rock.

The winner will receive £500.

They will also record a CD in a studio, receive equipment sponsored by Huddersfield Electronics, start a management contract with DON Entertainments, receive a publicity folder of photos and a live tape, perform a gig at Chicago Rock and feature in a radio interview with Home FM.

The winner will also perform live at the McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield before a Huddersfield Giants rugby game - and the whole thing will be filmed by Sky TV.

The second prize winner will get £300 and the third placed singer will receive £200.

The pubs running the first heats are: the Royal at Milnsbridge, the Tam o' Shanter at Paddock, the Warehouse on Zetland Street, Huddersfield, the Manor at Crosland Moor, the Junction at Marsh, the Somerset at Moldgreen, DB's on Leeds Road, Huddersfield, Chicago Rock, the Head of Steam at St George's Square, Huddersfield, the Black Bull at Briggate, Brighouse, the Ship at Paddock and the Marsh House at Marsh.

Events at all the venues start at 8pm, but contestants must be there at 7.30pm.

Contestants must fill in an entry form stating their personal details, song and chosen venue and hand it in at that venue 72 hours before the heat.

If the venue is full, people should contact Chicago Rock for an alternative.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old. No full-time professional singers are allowed.

Semi-professionals - defined as people who have received money for singing - must declare this.

Contact any of the listed pubs, or Chicago Rock on 01484 424488.