Singers, a guitarist and an indie band are preparing to take to the stage in the first heat of the Evening Post Fry Club Search For A Star competition.

Many of the acts due to take part on Sunday have performed in the competition before.

Among them is Chelsea Saroe, of Lockleaze, who is 16 and goes to St Katherine's School in Pill, where she has landed a main part in the school musical in March.

On Sunday she will be singing Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield and She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5.

"I entered the competition last year, but I didn't make it through the heats," said Chelsea. "I thought I would try again this year and see if I could get further. I just love to sing anyway, and it's good to do things like this for the experience."

At 67, Michael Pring, of Bedminster, is the oldest in this heat.

Michael, who also took part last year, said: "I've only decided on one of the songs I'll be singing – Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin.

"I really enjoyed the competition last year, and I think I have improved since then, so I thought I would give it another go."

Michael worked at Wills tobacco factory for 30 years and in the maintenance department at Bristol University before he retired.

Shelley Leggett, 15, of Brislington, got through to last year's semi-finals and before that had taken part in the junior version of the competition, where she came third. Shelley, who goes to Broadlands School in Keynsham, has not decided what she will sing yet.

She said: "I just really enjoy singing, and this is a great opportunity to perform."

Kiera-Marie Somers, 19, of Emersons Green, reached the finals of the competition last year, having also taken part in 2006.

The gap year student is hoping to go to theatre school in London or New York later this year, depending how she gets on in the auditions.

In the meantime, she is working as a model and helping out at her old school St Brendan's College with drama and musical theatre classes.

"Being in the finals last year was a great experience," said Kiera-Marie, who has not decided what she will be singing on Sunday yet. "I hope I can get that far again. I would definitely encourage other people to get involved and enter."

Rue Smith, 18, of Kingswood, has been in the final four times before, and last year she came third. She sings in pubs and clubs and would love to make music her career.

She has not decided what two songs she will sing yet, but this year she is hoping to win the competition.

"My friends keep telling me to keep trying," she said. "I would love to win this time."

Indie band Last Orderz are the only group taking part on Sunday, and one of the few acts who have not been in the competition before.

The band is made up of drummer Alex Elvin, 17, of Bedminster Down, singer and guitarist Jack Riddiford, 17, of Bishopsworth, guitarist Tom Smith, 18, of Headley Park and bassist Nick Townley, 17, of Bedminster Down.

All the band members, who have been together for about two years, are still at college.

Alex, a pupil at St Brendan's College, said: "We will probably play some of our own songs – we're influenced by bands like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Oasis.

"We all want to make it as a band and do this full-time – we are really trying to break through."

The band already plays gigs at the Carling Academy, the Fleece and the Louisiana, and they were one of the top three bands in last year's Post competition to find a band to support rock megastars Bon Jovi at Ashton Gate.

Singer Charli Parsons, 16, will be travelling all the way from Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds to take part on Sunday. Charli said her mum suggested she give it a go after her cousin took part a few years ago.

"I haven't fully decided what I will sing yet," she said. "It will probably be a show tune and a pop song."

She says her influences are soul singers such as Luther Vandross and Lionel Richie, and more recent artists such as Mary J Blige.

Kimberley Stenner, 24, a security guard of Hanham, was last on stage in Search For A Star at the age of 13.

"It didn't go too well," recalls Kimberley. "In fact, I forgot my words. I decided not to do it again.

"Now I have been inspired by shows like The X Factor and I thought I might as well try, now that I am older and I have more confidence."

Kimberley will be singing Toni Braxton's Please and Tina Turner's What's Love Got to Do with it.

Sophie Warren, 18, of Patchway, works as a sales assistant at TK Maxx. She has been taking part in the competition since she was 12, and this week will be singing Shout by Lulu and Sway by the Pussycat Dolls.

She said: "I really love doing the competition, it is such a great experience. I would love to sing professionally for my career."

Hollie Birchenough, 14, of Knowle, is a pupil at Bedminster Down School.

She is planning to sing Dear Mr President by Pink as well as another song she hasn't decided on yet.

"I am really looking forward to Sunday, but I am quite nervous too," said Hollie, who has not taken part in the competition before.

Guitar soloist Ky Underhill, 16, of Hanham, got through to the semi- finals last year and is hoping to do the same or better this year.

"I am planning a similar show to last year, probably including something of my own composition," said John Cabot Academy pupil Ky. "I'm looking forward to taking part again, it's a good experience."

Deb Dyer, competition organiser and manager of the Fry Club in Keynsham, said: "We have had a great response to this year's competition already, but there are still places in the heats throughout March available so please apply. We are looking forward to a quality night on Sunday – please come along and support your friends or family."

The first heat will take place at 7.15pm at the Fry Club, Somerdale, on Sunday, February 22.

Heats will continue every Sunday for five weeks, and then there will be three semi-finals before the final on May 17. The first prize is £1,000, the second prize is £500, third prize is £250 and the fourth-placed performer will receive £150.

To apply, fill out the entry form on the page and return it to the Fry Club and Conference Centre Somerdale, Keynsham, BS31 2AU.

Costs to watch the heats are £3 for adults and £1 for under-18s.