MR NICE Mark Riley is making a bid to change his image to Mr Nasty.

The BBC radio DJ - formerly Mark Radcliffe's sidekick - is to sit on an X Factor-style panel to select the best young bands in the north west. And even though he might not wear his trousers quite as high, Mark will be the Simon Cowell of the judges.

Bands must be of school age and the winners will get the chance to play at Bridgewater Hall on July 5, supporting a major, as yet un-named, local act.

Doves

Other judges include Dave Rofe, manager of Doves, Rob O'Shea manager of Sheffield Arena and musician Mandy Wigby.

The event is part of the Step Up schools' arts festival, which runs July 1-9 at venues across the city.

Young bands wanting to take part can email mandy.wigby@virgin.net for more details. All entries must be received by Saturday May 27. Tweet