Organisers of Telford’s Got Talent have changed the name of the competition for 2010 – because of similarities to ITV’s hit show.

“Copyright issues” around the similarity of the name to music mogul Simon Cowell’s Britain’s Got Talent are thought to be behind the name change.

It will instead be called Telford’s Talent 2010 next year.

Councillor Miles Hosken, Telford & Wrekin’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, admitted there had been a “few questions” about the use of the name and associations with the popular programme.

He said: “The name has been changed because it was very much associated with the TV programme, Britain’s Got Talent, and there were a few questions over the use of that as a brand.

“We did not want to conflict with anything else so now Telford’s Talent 2010 is the new name to clearly identify the event with talent within the borough.”

Councillor Hosken added: “It remains the same format – with a group of talented young people working to bring the event to life and we hope that even more people than last year will audition for the show.”

The idea for the show, which started last year, came from 14-year-old Jack Castree, of Sutton Hill, and sees young people planning and organising the whole project over an eight-month period, including all aspects of marketing and stage management.

To help with the planning, a new office space for young people – The Youth Culture Pod – has been set up at The Place in Oakengates.

The first round auditions for the show – which are open to anyone of any age who lives in Telford and Wrekin, will start on January 10 and run until February 27 with the second round of auditions on March 6 and 7.

The final talent show featuring the best acts from the competition will be held on April 9 at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place and first prize is £500.

Telford teenage singer Daniel Crossley, 14, took the top spot last year.

Anyone interested in auditioning for Telford’s Talent 2010 can complete an online registration form at www.telford.gov.uk/whatson

By Wayne Beese