A CASH prize of £1,000 is up for grabs for the winner of this year’s Halton’s Got Talent.

The competition is bigger than ever as people of all ages can now take part.

New opportunities will be created for 18-24 year olds and performers aged 25 and over.

Widnes schoolgirl Beau Dermott, from Cronton, won last year’s competition and has now swept the nation with her extraordinary operatic voice.

The 12-year-old performed the same winning song - Defying Gravity from the hit musical Wicked - at The Brindley final as she did on Britain’s Got Talent.

Judge Amanda Holden was so moved by her voice she hit her golden buzzer sending the former Cronton CE Primary pupil straight through to the live semi-finals.

Show sponsor Karl Clawley, Runcorn Shopping Centre manager, said: “Beau’s amazing success started here in Halton.

“We could discover another new national TV star among the many talented adults in Halton.

“Who knows where this first step could lead performers entering the 2016 competition.”

The show has been expanded through a new sponsorship deal between Halton Council and Runcorn Shopping Centre.

“We are delighted to be supporting a bigger, better competition for 2016,” added Karl.

“Let’s give the over 18s their chance to shine too.”

Auditions will be staged on three Saturdays in August at Runcorn Shopping Centre and on August 8 and 15 and at CRMZ in Widnes.

The grand final will be held at The Brindley on Saturday, September 3.

Nicola Goodwin, Halton Council’s community development manager, said: “This is the ninth year for Halton’s Got Talent. It’s a great opportunity to expand the format to see what other talent is on our doorstep.

“Given the recent public funding austerity, the partnership with Runcorn Shopping Centre has been vital to the survival of the competition. “Thanks to their generosity we are delighted to be able to make the 2016 competition even bigger and better than before.”

Details of how to enter will be announced on Saturday, June 11.