Ozzy brings X Factor to Telford Park Idol

Having stood in front of the judges on television last year, the 18-year-old from Horton will help decide the winner of an established singing competition now in its third year.

With a first place prize of £500, the 10-week-event takes place at The Park Inn, Wellington, and is this year raising money for homeless charity The Stay Project and the YMCA.

Ozzy will join head judge Gwyn Evans, previous finalist Glenn Millar, last year's winner Kasey Perry, and pub landlady Lisa Ball on the panel.

Wendi Richards, organiser of Park Idol, said the appointment came when the former Newport Burton Borough School student applied to compete.

"Ozzy actually wanted to enter the competition but due to our terms and conditions he didn't qualify, or rather overqualified," she said.

"We want our competition to act as a stepping stone to give people the confidence to get out on the circuit, so people can only enter if they've done less than five gigs.

"We told him that and offered him a place on our judging panel – it gives him the chance to be the Simon Cowell of Park Idol.

"He's a busy boy doing a lot of gigs of his own so we're absolutely delighted to have him on board."

The competition has been gaining traction since it started, with eight themed karaoke nights judged by a panel of guests and former participants, and takes place over the summer months.

The 2018 event saw contestants record a professional CD, and more than £700 raised for Diabetes UK.

"Everyone that's on the panel knows what they're talking about and are dedicated to the competition, which we couldn't do it without them," added Wendi.

"There are a couple of competitor spaces left to fill, so if anybody wants to give it a try in a nice, friendly, constructive environment I'd urge them to sign up."

Anybody interested in taking part in the event can contact organisers on the Park Idol 2019 Facebook page, or contact the pub on 01952 255810.