Take That, Westlife and Five are all past their sell by dates. That is the opinion of Mark Pounder from Shaw and Paul Gray who lives in the town centre.

Together they form PM Music Management and they are running a competition to find the members of the next big act of the millennium. It is open for boys aged 14 to 18 years who should send a photo, CV and demo tape, mini-disc or CD by 12 January. The best will be invited to audition on Saturday 10 February at Ridgeway School, sponsored by AM TV Ltd of Shrivenham

Paul comes from Manchester where he was involved in a similar competition that resulted in a girl group Cleopatra being formed. He was their business manager before moving to Swindon in 1998 when he met Mark. "Nowadays it is essential for acts to have an organisation behind them to bring out their star qualities," he said. "We already have a team in place including songwriters, choreographers, vocal trainers, physical fitness instructors, as well as the management and public relations people. Now we're looking for young men eager to succeed."

Mark is confident of success, but the partners are looking for lads who are willing to work very hard. "The bright lights beckon; the boys we select will be outgoing and very committed to becoming stars."

They also see this band boosting Swindon's name around the world. "As only a few will be chosen, we want them to become ambassadors for the town," said Paul

CVs and demo recordings should be sent to PM Music Management, PO Box 2191, Swindon SN5 5LL. Application forms can also be printed off from the PM web site at www.pmmusic.co.uk