A WARRINGTON duo have made the cut in a nationwide hunt for new and emerging talent – and now they need your help.

The Open Mic UK competition has gone virtual during the coronavirus crisis and is now the biggest online search for British artists.

Every year more than 10,000 people enter – from solo singers and songwriters, to rappers and bands – and George Young, from Old Hall, and Greg Dixon, from Orford, are among those who have successfully gone through to the heats.

The pair – who perform under George's name – met about three years ago at The Lounge (now Post House) in Springfield Street at an open mic night that former St Gregory's student Greg was hosting.

George said: "We got up did a cover of Alex Clare's Too Close and we've taken it from there slowly but surely. We now know we have something special and everyone we've performed in front of says the same."

The duo will be back for the audition shows with a remote performance this Thursday and are asking for the help of their Warrington supporters to be plucked from almost 250 performers remaining.

There are 28 artists in the 10th audition show George and Greg are in and among those watching will be judges from all sections of the industry including major record labels, national radio stations and BBC Introducing service.

Those who are sent through to the knock-out rounds are acts that are either handpicked by the judges or selected via an audience vote.

George, a former Great Sankey High student, added: "We're doing a cover of Wayfaring Stranger for this round, which is an old American folk song most notably performed by Johnny Cash. Ed Sheeran did a take on it as well which is the style we have chosen.

"Doing the shows virtually is very different and a bit surreal. Before lockdown, Greg and I were performing in pubs and bars every week and now all of that has stopped so to be able to perform to an audience – and a large one at that – is amazing.

"If we get through we've got some absolute belters lined up for our next performances.

"At first I didn't really know what to make of the competition. I know Birdy won this show a few years back and it did wonders for her.

"So I want to give it everything I've got. Even with everything that's been going on, Greg and I have been working behind the scenes to get some covers together.

"And we are extremely excited to be able to keep performing and getting music out there and keeping ourselves sane."

Up for grabs are free recording sessions at some of the UK's best studios and support and advice from A&R music business professionals.

Public votes cost £1. Visit openmicuk.co.uk/national-vote and search for George Young in 'Audition Show 10'.