AN MP’s talent competition will continue despite the fact that its founder will be standing down at the next election.

Rock the House was founded by Hove MP Mike Weatherley in 2011 giving performers from constituencies around the country the chance to compete against each other and the winner the opportunity to perform on the House of Commons’ terrace.

The event, backed by leading musical stars including Brian May, Alice Cooper and Rick Wakeman who are all patrons, will continue in the hands of Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams after Mr Weatherley stands down at the next election.

The outgoing MP is encouraging his constituents to take part in the competition as it launched this month.

A panel of industry executives will choose the finalists and eventual winners, who will win an array of prizes, from equipment, festival slots, exposure, recording sessions, radio and TV airplay and more.

Budding film makers are also being sought to enter the sister competition Film the House which is sponsored by leading movie companies including Lionsgate, Fox and Odeon Cinemas.

Categories include drama, thriller, action, comedy, music video and documentary, as well as a separate category for under-18s, which can be any genre.

Entrants need to get involved by December 31 with the finals held on March 18 with a special reception and screening of the winning film.

For more information on the competitions, visit www.rockthehousehoc.com or www.filmthehouse.com.