JUST as a new batch of publicly assembled popsters are unleashed onto the public, Britain's favourite flop stars are proving that you can't beat a bit of good old-fashioned determination.

While the now defunct Hear'Say grabbed all the limelight as the winners of the original TV Popstars competition, Liberty X, who formed out of the ashes of what was left over, have gone on to earn a record deal with Richard Branson's V2 label and are now among pop's hottest properties.

Liberty X head out onto the road next year on a major tour which visits Bournemouth International Centre on March 7 and Portsmouth Guildhall on March 27.

The band have released four top 20 singles - Thinking It Over, Doin' It, Got To Have Your Love and the number one hit Just A Little Bit - but after being rejected by Simon Cowell and Pete Waterman, what gave Jessica, Tony, Kevin, Michelle and Kelli the enthusiasm to carry on as a band?

"We decided to be positive about the whole Popstars experience and just thought, 'let's go for it,' because we were so strong together and all really got on. It seemed far more natural to stick together than go it alone," says Kelli.

The band have also had success with their debut album, Thinking It Over which has now received gold disc status and was 90 per cent written by the band. PG

Liberty X appear at Bournemouth International Centre on March 7 (01202 456456) and Portsmouth Guildhall on March 27 (023 9282 4355)