A WEST END star is calling on young people in Redbridge to take part in the largest Glee Club competition in the country.

Set up six years ago to showcase the best young performers in London and Essex, next year’s Jack Petchey Glee Club Challenge is open for entries.

Anyone between the ages of 11 and 25-years-old can take part in the competition in groups of a minimum of eight and maximum of 30 people.

After an initial auditions round, 60 groups will be shortlisted to take part in five regional finals across the capital and Essex, where they will sing their hearts out in the hope of bagging a place in the grand final.

One of next year’s judges will be West End star John Partridge, who is currently on tour with Chicago The Musical, and is best known for his role in TV soap EastEnders.

He said “The Glee Club Challenge is inspirational. I have been in this business for 30 years and I am as inspired today as I have ever been by the fantastic groups we judge year on year.

“It’s not about being perfect and polished. It’s all about potential - we are looking for potential with a capital P!”

Regular finalists Ursuline Academy Gospel Choir from Ilford made it to the regional finals of this year’s competition in March.

All entries are free and must be submitted by October 14, ahead of the grand final at the 02 Arena on March 19 2017.

For more information, see the website www.gleeclubchallenge.co.uk.