WEE COUNTY pub-goers will have stars in their eyes this month, with the launch of a new talent contest.

Locals can stretch their vocal chords and demonstrate their singing abilities at Drysdales Alloa throughout May.

Stars in their Eyes with Ronnie Beresford will kick off with an audition night on Sunday.

The successful acts will then battle it out on Sunday, May 13 and Sunday, May 20.

They will have to dig deep and give it their all, as some will be sent home during the elimination nights in the run-up to the big finale on Sunday, May 27.

The panel of judges – made up of organiser and compere Ronnie Beresford, along with Liam Essex, Kerry Thomson and Mary Mac – will make the tough choices of deciding who goes.

There are also some fantastic cash prizes up for grabs – £300, £150 and £50 for first, second and third place respectively.

Ronnie has organised similar competitions in Alloa, modelled on the likes of the X Factor, The Voice and Take Me Out.

He loves hosting events and told people to expect plenty of fun and a good atmosphere on the night.

Ronnie said: “I feel that the Shire needs a bit of happiness.

“I just like people to enjoy themselves and I’m looking for excellent talent.”

“I will be direct and my judges have been trained to make sure that the correct person wins.”

He will be tough but fair on the contestants, joking: “I would give Simon Cowell a run for his money, put it that way.”

Ronnie’s previous events have been applauded by Dave McMillan, general manager at Drysdales Alloa.

He said: “When we decided to organise it, it was always going to be Ronnie.

“It’s something that I have seen before and they’ve always been good nights.

“It’s something that’s a bit different. It is quite an unusual thing for a pub, especially in Alloa.”

He wants to see people getting their entries in and having a bit of fun.

He said: “It’s important for them to know, even though it’s a talent contest and there is prize money there, it’s about taking part.

“It’s about coming in and having a laugh – you just never know what could happen.”

The event, which will judge contestants on their singing abilities, is free, but those heading along are welcome to offer donations for charity on the night, where there will be collection buckets.

Money from the first event will be given to Clackmannan Gala and another three good causes are being sought.

Drysdales would like to hear about local charities, particularly those who help youngsters, that could benefit from some added funds.

Drop a letter into them before next Wednesday with any recommendations.

Each event throughout the contest starts in the venue at 5pm.

To enter you need to be over 18; send Ronnie a private message on Facebook. He added: “I think it’s time for me to throw my personality into the Shire and cheer the place up!”