IF you think you've got the 'X Factor' then now's your chance to prove it, with Chicago Rock Caf's 'Rock Academy' competition.

Singers, musicians and bands are all being invited to take part in the event, which aims to shoot one luck entrant to stardom in the major national competition. And the top prize for the winner of the national final in November is a cheque for £2,000 and a contract to either record a CD or go on tour depending on the style of entertainer that wins.

St Helens Chicago Rock Caf is one of 50 Luminar Leisure venues across the country taking part in the competition, which is expected to attract around 5,000 acts.

Joanne Gelhardt, manager of the St Helens branch, said; "This is a fantastic opportunity for people with talent to step into the limelight and show the world what they are capable of. There are many competitions around that are aimed at singers alone, now we are giving other forms of acts like bands or musicians the chance to shine."

There will be four local heats in September and October before the winner of the St Helens final is crowned. Local winners will enter a regional final and at stake will be £500 and a chance to progress to the national final and the opportunity of taking the top prize.

The competition is for over 18s and each act will have one song or up to five minutes to impress. For more info call 01744 613110 or log onto www.rockacademy.info