A MAJOR regional talent show with a fantastic top prize is being held later this year, to help raise funds and awareness of the Chemotherapy Outreach Project, which runs in Tavistock.

The project is operated from Derriford Hospital and enables patients to have cancer treatments locally in Tavistock. It also runs in Liskeard and Kingsbridge and was founded by Jan Britton, who has a home in East Portlemouth.

Jan is organising The Great Southwest Talent Show, which will be held on September 14 on Plymouth Hoe.

The first prize will be an all expenses-paid trip to London to record a single at The State of the Ark Studios in Richmond — where the likes of stars such as Emeli Sande, the Stereophonics and Kylie Minogue have worked.

The marquee on the Hoe has been donated for the evening by Plymouth University and the evening is being supported by Matt Bernard and Jim Parsons of DBS Music.

Jan, who is co-owner of the studio, said: 'Due to the nature of the first prize the auditions will be limited to musicians and singers.

'Anyone who is interested in auditioning should send a three minute, youtube audition video link to the [email protected]">[email protected] by the end of March.  

'A number of applicants will be invited to audition live in Plymouth and the finalists will be invited to appear on September 14. All entry clips will be shown on the evening. 

'The purpose of this evening is to raise the awareness of the public to this charity and to inspire people to fundraise on its behalf.  

'We need a fundraising committee in all areas and as the Chemotherapy Outreach Project is soon to be an independent charity separate from the hospital, we shall need a volunteer secretary who would be able donate their time and become part of the team of trustees.'  

The outreach project in Tavistock operates at Tavistock Hospital on Fridays and at the clinic, between 9.30am and 4.15pm.

Outreach project fundraiser Lesley Gibson said: 'The chemo nurses bring the drugs from Derriford and treat up to eleven patients on that day. During 2012, 484 patients received treatment.

'The advantage of treatment being made available locally is much appreciated by patients, who then do not have to face the stressful journey to Derriford, saving time for patients and carers.

'The service has been operating in Tavistock for two years, and in the last six months has been used to capacity, as more people have become aware of the service.'

Anyone who would like to get involved with helping raise awareness and funds for the project can call Lesley Gibson on 07967 405379.