SOME of Chorley's most talented youngsters will compete next month for the title of The Citizen's Big Gig 2004 winner.

The 10 teens will sing, dance and play their instruments in front of an audience and some experienced local music experts for a chance to win the accolade.

The overall champion will get the opportunity to spend time in a professional recording studio to set them off on the path to stardom.

Every week we are profiling two competitors, and this week, with just five weeks of rehearsals left, two friends go head to head to compete for the title.

Leanne Macdonald, 15, attends Albany High School along with her friend Nickki Pressler, also 15.

The pair went to the original audition together and were delighted when they were both selected for the final.

Leanne, from Glenmore, Clayton-le-Woods, sang hit single Killing Me Softly at the audition last year. She said the pals were not competing with each other.

"It was fantastic that we both got through, but we said right from the beginning that we would be pleased if either of us got through.

"It's nice to have someone else there who's going through the same thing and I'll be happy if she wins."

Leanne is no stranger to the stage, she's had singing lessons for three years and loves all types of music. She also performs in concerts at the Leyland Arts Centre.

Her pal Nickki, said there is no rivalry between the pair. The teenager, also in year 11 at Albany, will perform Madonna's 1980s hit single Like a Virgin at the final.

She said: "It was nice to have someone I knew at the audition and I'm hoping we both do well in the final."

The teenager, from Willow Close, Charnock Richard, is an old-hand at singing before an audience, as reigning champion of Albany's annual 'Stars in Their Eyes' competition.

She said: "I'm really nervous, but I'm looking forward to it."

And Nickki will be getting a word of advice from her 23-year-old brother, Mark, a professional musician who plays in local band Divided.

Tickets for the Big Gig, which takes place on February 20 at 7.30pm, are priced at £5/£3.50 concessions and are available now from the tourist information office in Market Street, Chorley, or by phoning 01257 241693. All proceeds go to the mayor's charities.