Britain's Got Talent spotlight falls on Newtown
It's a long way from performing before a Royal at the Palladium, but dozens of Britain's Got Talent hopefuls took the first step on the road to stardom.
Singers from across the region headed to Mirrens Steak & Tapas Bar in Newtown last night.
Simon Cowell was nowhere to be seen, but these early heats are a vital part of his show which will screen in the spring next year.
Cowell sent a production team from the hit ITV show, which launched the careers of Susan Boyle, Diversity and Paul Potts to the bar looking for possible candidates good and bad who might make good TV in the future.
The contestants will hear if they've made it through to the next stage in February next year.
And for Anna Cooperwhite, the owner of Mirren's, and the regulars who sing at the venue's Open Mic nights it was an evening to remember.
Anna said: "It was very exciting and a lot of people turned up to perform. It was great for all of the regular singers and they all did so well. The most momentous part is they chose my restaurant to hold the auditions. It was fabulous."
Among the hopeful singers were Mia Hope, 16, from Llanidloes in Powys, and her friends Abi Foster, 17, and Ross Embrey, 21, both from Newtown.
Mia entertained the crowds with her rendition of Sunday Morning by Maroon 5. She said: "It went really well. I've been performing for six months and this was my first audition. I was surprised to learn BGT was even coming to Newtown."
Her friend Abi belted out All of Me by John Legend and Ross kept it original with a song he had written himself called Day and Night.
Ross added: "It was great to give it a go and take part. I really hope I've got through.
"They said they would let us know by February."
Steph Hopgood, casting researcher at Thames TV, said: "We are leaving no stone unturned and reaching out even further to those places where it may be slightly more difficult to attend one of our big audition open days."
