Young hopefuls queued for hours in a bid to win a place in a new pop band.

More than 70 waited outside Langford's Hotel in Hove yesterday to audition in front of a panel of judges.

The youngsters, eager to follow in the footsteps of Pop Idol Will Young and Popstars Hear'Say, came from as far away as Somerset and waited up to six hours.

Radio station Juice FM and band creator Alex Webster have joined forces to find three or four members to form a new S Club 7-style band.

Juice FM spokesman James Walshe said: "The standard was excellent."

Initially the hopefuls had to sing and those that got through the first round were invited back to dance for the panel.

Mr Walshe said: "We have narrowed it down to 15 and the final selection will probably be made today or tomorrow. Originally, we were thinking of an S Club 7 type set up, but it could turn out to be a boy band."

Juice listeners will then be invited to name the band in an on-air competition.