IF you sit at home watching Britain's Got Talent or the X Factor each week and think, 'I can do better than that', this is now your chance to show off your skills.

IF you sit at home watching Britain's Got Talent or the X Factor each week and think, 'I can do better than that', this is now your chance to show off your skills.

After last year's success, Lowestoft's very own talent competition The S Factor is returning even bigger and better than before.

And Waveney's most talented performers are being invited to take part once again.

Singers, dancers, magicians, ventriloquists and a whole host of other acts all have the chance to battle it out in the competition at the theatre in Pakefield.

There will be four heats in June, two semi-finals and a grand final on Sunday, July 18 when this year's S Factor champion will be crowned.

As well as the honour of being named champion, there is also a prize of �500 for the winner, with �250 for the runner-up and �150 for third.

The contest will be overseen by a panel of expert judges who are local to the area - meaning contestants can be assured they will not have to go eyeball to eyeball with Simon Cowell or Cheryl Cole.

Last year the competition was won by singer Lily Ayers, who wowed judges with a performance of Roberta Flack's The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.

On Sunday she will return to the site of her success as she helps to launch this year's competition. Best Factor will see Lily perform alongside a number of last year's other top contestants.

Entry to this year's competition, which is sponsored by The Journal, Robinsons Lowestoft, Pleasurewood Hills and M.R. King & Sons, is �8 for soloists and �15 for groups.

To enter fill in the form in this week's Journal and send, together with payment, to the Seagull Theatre, Morton Road Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Seagull Lowestoft'.