THE hunt is on to find the next big Scottish star.

Hamilton Park's Got Talent will return this year and performers from across the West of Scotland are invited to enter.

The Lanarkshire racecourse is hoping to build on the success of last year's inaugural race night event which was won by 13-year-old singing sensation Jade Burke, from Crookston, in Glasgow.

Since winning last year's open-air finale, Jade has taken part in charity events across the country and supported Boney M at Variety Scotland's annual charity ball last November.

Jade also wowed crowds at the Clyde Auditorium – as well as celebrity judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon – at the Glasgow leg of Britain's Got Talent auditions.

The Rosshall Academy pupil, who will return to the racecourse to perform at the final on July 13, said: "Entering Hamilton Park's Got Talent last year was a great experience for me and I was so happy to win the final, especially as my family and friends were there to cheer me on.

"I'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved and enter the competition this year.

"Winning the competition opened a lot of doors for me - it could also do the same for 2013's winner."

Performers are asked submit their audition videos to Hamilton Park by e-mailing ashley@hamilton-park.co.uk no later than 10am on July 5.

Videos will then be uploaded on to the official Hamilton Park Racecourse Facebook page and the 10 acts which generate the most 'likes' will be invited to perform at the final.

Hopefuls are asked to send in entries as soon as possible.

A judging panel on the day will then select the overall winner.

Hamilton Park Commercial Manager Ashley Moon, who will act as host on the day of the final, said: "From Tom Jones to JLS and Steps to Westlife, Hamilton Park Racecourse has hosted many of the UK and Ireland's biggest acts.

"With the introduction of HPGT last year, we wanted to provide a platform for people from the surrounding areas to showcase their talents.

"We were blown away by the volume of high-quality auditions we received.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how this year's calibre of talent compares to our 2012 finalists and would like to wish everyone who enters the very best of luck."

linzi.watson@eveningtimes.co.uk