Pop Idol mania is spurring on a new generation of talent in Salford.

Finalists Gareth Gates and Will Young are grabbing headlines as they battle it out to claim the crown this weekend.

But the hit TV show has helped inspire 23 children with a gift for music to take to the stage.

The youngsters, aged ten and eleven, were chosen from ten primary schools in the city.

Since November, the children have been working with professional musicians and singers to improve their skills and performance.

This week, they took their first stab at becoming stars themselves when they performed in front of a packed audience at Dukesgate Primary in Little Hulton.

The pupils sang, played percussion instruments and improvised alongside a jazz duo on saxophone and double bass.

They were brought together under the council's Excellence in Cities Initiative.

Now education bosses are looking into the possibility of the children going "on tour" and performing at schools throughout the borough.

A council spokesman said: "The children performed brilliantly and were very enthusiastic. With some dedication we could have the next Pop Idol."

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