A SCHOLARSHIP at an award winning music school and the chance to work with music professionals are up for grabs in an exciting new talent competition.

With cash from the Arts Council of England, Bexley Council has teamed up with the Point Blank Music College, to launch the BeXfactor competition for young people.

Professional talent scouts will watch them perform at their gigs and, as they progress through the rounds, contestants will be offered “boot camps” to build on their musical skills.

There will also be mentoring by acclaimed musical artists.

And for the lucky winner there will be a scholarship to Point Blank, the music college in north London whose past pupils include X Factor winner Leona Lewis.

The contest is open to anyone aged between 14 and 25 who lives or goes to school or college in the borough, and includes every ability and musical style, from classical to rap.

The competition will have its own BeXfactor Facebook page where anyone interested can join in, add links to their own or their band’s website, or just follow the progress of the contestants and pick their own favourites.

The young musicians will also be invited to let the contest’s professional, music industry talent scouts have details of their local gigs, and to attend open auditions.

Would-be contestants can leave messages on the competition hotline on 020 9294 6958 giving details about any gigs, events, classes or rehearsals happening this month which the talent scouts can visit to see them in action.

There are also three open auditions being held next month.

These will be held on March 2 at Townley Grammar School, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, from 4pm to 9pm; Erith School, Avenue Road, Erith on March 21 from noon until 5pm and at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, Hurst Road, Sidcup, on March 23 from 4pm to 9pm.

Would-be contestants can just turn up and be seen by the panel.

Anyone who feels they have a musical talent can have a go, and even if they do not make it through to the next round of the competition, they will receive some professional advice.

Bexley promises there will be no negative feedback or “bullying judges” and those who do not go any further will get information about the music services available to them in the borough.

About 60 successful competitors will be chosen from the auditions and invited to separate boot camps to build on their musical skills and work towards an accredited musical qualification.

For the 20 young people chosen for the final stage of the competition there will be mentoring from acclaimed artists - whose identities are currently being kept under wraps.

They will also perform live on the main stage at this year’s Danson Festival in July, with their celebrity mentors, and have the opportunity to make their own CD.

The most promising of them all, will be offered the music scholarship.

Among the talent scouts and will be Grammy Award-winning songwriter Phil Ramacon who will also be a judge and who has worked with artists ranging from Take That to Bob Marley.

He said: “We are looking for committed singers, musicians and bands with exceptional musical talent.

“Using well-known industry professionals, we will help them to develop their talent further.”

Bexley Council cabinet member for culture, Councillor Peter Catterall said: “This is an amazing project for the young people of Bexley.

He added: “BeXfactor isn’t about becoming an overnight success.

“More importantly, it is about working with talented young people who are looking to establish a sustainable career in the music industry.

“We are really hoping to hear from musicians from all backgrounds and all abilities.”