A SEARCH for a star is set to see scores of musically talented youngsters perform for glory as the quest to find York’s next “cop idol” is launched.

Community Idol, run by the police’s Micklegate Safer Neighbourhood Team, is back for a fifth year, with young people across the city being offered the opportunity to have their moment in the spotlight in the Pop Idol-style competition.

The aim of the contest, which is run with Safer York Partnership, is to keep youngsters entertained and out of trouble during the summer holidays.

Young people, aged between 11 and 19, who have a talent for singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument are invited to enter.

This year heats will be held at the newly-refurbished Clements Hall, opposite Scarcroft School, on Tuesday, August 2, and Friday, August 12, from 2pm each day.

The top 20 acts from the two heats will have the opportunity to perform at the Grand Opera House on Saturday, September 3, starting at 7pm where York band BurnWylde will open the show.

All proceeds from the event will go to the charity SNAPPY, which offers play activities for children and young people in York with special needs.

PCSO Keith Hall, of Micklegate Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Community Idol has become something of an annual event and the standard just gets better every year.

“Last year’s event raised more than £3,000 for this wonderful charity that helps so many people with special needs and we hope to exceed that this year.”

Primary schools in the York area are being encouraged to enter contestants in the spin-off Mini Idol contest, which is open to children aged seven to 11.

The final for Mini Idol will be held at the Clements Hall on Friday, July 15, from 4pm, and the top three acts will be invited to give the opening performance at the grand final of Community Idol.

The contest for York youngsters is again being sponsored by MOR Music, in Fossgate, whose owners, Phil and Lynne O’Dea, are paying the £1,500 fee to hire the Grand Opera House.

For application forms or if any businesses would like to sponsor the event or donate prizes, email PCSO Hall at keith.hall5457@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Alternatively, email john.iemboli@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk