BUDDING young stars in Oxford have taken their first steps on the road to fame.

Talent Oxford returned to Templars Square Shopping Centre at the weekend to unearth the city’s undiscovered stars.

A total of 300 youngsters sang, danced and performed in front of shoppers in Cowley on Saturday and yesterday.

The competition, for young people aged up to 18, was a huge hit last year, and has been expanded this year so more can take part.

Louisa Swiergon, 15, from Eynsham, said she was delighted with her performance of Don’t Rain on My Parade.

She said: “I was a bit nervous but I did it last year so I knew what to expect.

“It was really exciting and I hope I manage to go a long way in this competition. I loved being on stage.”

Each day, between 9am and 6pm, 150 performers got on stage to gie their act their best show. And the auditions return to the shopping centre next weekend when a further 500 youngsters are expected.

Whitney Cooper, 15, travelled from her home in Wantage to take part.

She said: “I sang Stop and Stare by One Republic because it is one of my favourite songs.

“It was brilliant to be on stage. As soon as I got up I felt comfortable and loved every minute of it. Now I’m just keeping my fingers crossed for the next round.”

This year’s judging panel includes 2009 X-factor finalist Graziella, last year’s Aspiring Star Award winner Andy MacIntosh, Glide FM breakfast presenter Sophie Bruce, commercial director of Jack FM Graham Lysaght and Alexa Baigent, cheerleader for the Harlequins rugby team.

Rap artist Lady Exonic, 17, from Witney, performed her own lyrics on stage.

She said: “I think it went really well. It was a good audition. I have been rapping for a number of years now and it is something I want to take seriously and I’m just looking for a way to get my foot in the door. Hopefully winning this competition will be the break I need.”

Talent Oxford founder Lydiah Igweh, who is also on the judging panel, said: “The first auditions were brilliant.It was a fantastic way to start this year’s Talent Oxford.

“There are so many incredibly talented young people in this area.”

There are five awards on offer including best original act, best vocal act, best dance act and best group act.

Finals for the competition will be held at the Kassam Stadium on June 3 and 4.

For more information, visit talentoxford.co.uk