A SEARCH for talented young people in Harrow culminates next week in an X-Factor style showdown in front of a celebrity panel.

Sergeant Paul Mills, who is in charge of Wealdstone Safer Neighbourhood Team, has organised the talent show for school pupils in the borough taking place on Monday, July 27.

More than 60 acts applied and 35 have been selected on a first-come-first-served to perform in a day of finals at Hatch End High School, in Headstone Lane.

Comic Phil Butler and Doom from Sky One's Gladiators are sitting on the judging panel and will dish out prizes of £500, £300, and £100 for the winner, and two runners-up.

Sgt Mills said the aim of the borough-wide talent contest to help raise the profile of young people in Harrow and keep them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

The event has been supported Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group and the Met Police Association, as well as local businesses who have contributed to the prizes.