MEN are more romantic than women when it comes to singing love songs on karaoke nights.

Pub chain Yates's, which has its head office in Manchester Road, Bolton, carried out a survey of the 20 most popular choices of ballads sung by customers in its bars and found out that men are more likely to opt for a tear-jerker.

The women, meanwhile, showed a more defiant side.

While the modern classic Angels was a clear winner among aspiring Robbie Williamses, the ladies belted out Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, the Weather Girls' It's Raining Men and Madonna's Like a Virgin.

During the weekly karaoke sessions, which also took place at Yates's in Bradshawgate in Bolton town centre, duets proved popular with the not-so-brave, and the all-time favourite was the classic Unchained Melody, first performed by the Righteous Brothers 25 years ago, and recently given the 21st century treatment by Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.

And now, the pub chain is launching a search for the next Will Young or Sarah Whatmore, with Wannabe -- Yates's National Search for a Star. Staff at the pub will be dressing for the occasion at the event to help encourage punters to join in.

Craig Parker, assistant manager at the Bolton branch, said: "We are all really looking forward to the event. I think it'll be a good laugh and also be great for the pub. It's rare that I ever get up but if I have to, I usually do with a group of friends and end up singing Bohemian Rhapsody."

The overall winner is promised a recording deal as well as a £10,000 cash award and the chance to live like a pop star for a week in London.

The Bolton Evening News went along to Yates's in Bradshawgate to find out what staff and punters like to bellow down the mike.

Cellar worker Ste Chappell, aged 20, from St George's Road, Bolton, said: "If I have to get up I usually end up singing You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi.

Melissa Fairclough, aged 18, from Farnworth, loves to belt out Paradise by the Dashboard Lights by Meatloaf when she gets up on stage. She said: "It's just a great tune. I love it."

Nicola Ronson, aged 18, from Breightmet, will get up and sing no matter if she is on her own or with friends. She said: "I love singing songs by Bon Jovi. I am always singing. Last time I did karaoke it was with one of my friends and we sang one of the tunes from Grease. I don't think I'm that good, but I'll always get up."

Jim Craig and Debbie Wright, who both work behind the bar at Yates's, will be dressing up in costume for the karaoke nights and both agreed it's great to hit the mike after a night on the tiles. Jim said: "It usually ends up with me singing something like Mustang Sally or Sitting on the Dock of the Bay."

Debbie insisted that she only ever sang karaoke when she had had a drink. She added: "Last time I did karaoke, I sang Barbie Girl. I can't sing at all, but I love having a go."

For more information about the National Search for a Star competition contact Craig Parker on 01204 523655.