ASPIRING stars of the future battled it out at open auditions held in Cwmbran over the weekend.

Cwmbran Centre for Young People, located on Glyndwr Road in the town centre, welcomed dancers, singers, musicians and all-round entertainers at the two-day event, which was held as part of the Reach for the Stars Talent competition.

The competition was open to five-year-olds up to 25-year-olds, and took place on Friday and Saturday.

Among those to take part in Cwmbran were 21-year-old flautist Elinor Rees, from Pontypool, and eight-year-old freestyle dancer Jasmine Long, of Llantarnam.

Rowan Viveash, 18, of Croesyceiliog, also took part on the mic as part of a diverse group of youngsters who entered the auditioning process.

The semi finals will take place at The Football Factory on November 29, while the final stage will be staged at The Congress Theatre on December 13.

A prize of £150 along with a magazine feature awaits the overall winner, with second prize being a £100 award, and £50 for third place.