Hundreds flock to X Factor auditions

Hundreds of wannabe popstars were in Newquay this weekend for Cornwall's first ever X Factor auditions. Some even started queuing at 5am for their shot at stardom. Another round took place in Exeter today.

Crowds started to build at the crack of dawn and while most dreams were dashed, 12 lucky hopefuls are through to the next round.

Of course X Factor auditions wouldn't be complete without a few characters - and Newquay didn't disappoint. Elvis impersonator Marcellus Hocking, 58, made it through after singing one of the King’s hits and performing the full splits.

Now in its 11th series, the South West has a good track record of uncovering talent. Luke Friend from Teignmouth finished third last year and who could forget Shelley Smith - the white van driver from Exeter who wowed Sharon Osbourne?

Full open tryouts for the show begin next month - most of the locals who made it through will be auditioning at Plymouth Holiday Inn on April 9.