AMBITIOUS plans to stage a cross between Pop Idol and Fame Academy in Bishop's Waltham are under way.

Fifteen bands have already signed up for the battle of the bands contest, which offers the winners the chance to record in a professional studio.

Youngsters will be urged to hit the high notes and show off their best moves at a series of heats between now and the final in February.

Among the judges will be producers behind acts from Sting to Right Said Fred.

The contest is being organised by Church of England youth co-ordinator the Rev Stuart Holt, as part of his long-term strategy to get teenagers more interested in Christianity.

The Rev Holt, who is also vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Newtown and St Peter's in Soberton, said: "We wanted to do something that was a cross between Pop Idol and Fame Academy to try to get young people in this rural area excited about cultural, creative and spiritual issues."

Virtually all of the 300 tickets for the final have already been snapped up by pupils and youth groups.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the gig, which starts at 7pm on February 5 in the Jubilee Hall in Bishop's Waltham.

The gig will also feature Swanmore boy band The E-vn, who play 1960s-style pop songs.

For more information on the contest go to: www.bwdyouth.org.uk, call Stuart Holt on 01489 877400 or e-mail revstuartholt@aol.com.

Closing date for entries is Friday, December 3.