THREE young would-be singers have taken their first steps to stardom by taking part in a new television talent show - hosted by pop band Steps.

Members of the hit group gave twins Connie and Cassie Powney and their best friend, Claire Goulding, advice about how to make it big in the music world.

The girls, all 16 and from Seaford, met Steps, who have had international chart toppers with Tragedy, Heartbeat and Better Best Forgotten, when they spent a day in Manchester filming for the CBBC show Steps to the Stars.

The sisters, from Stirling Avenue, and Claire, of St Peter's Road, have been composing songs together for more than a year

and hope appearing on television will catapult them to stardom.

The trio, who call themselves the Tri-Angels, sang their own composition called Street Vibes.

They said the members of the fab five,

H, Lee, Lisa, Faye and Claire were so encouraging during filming it has made them even more determined to reach their goal of appearing on Top of the Pops.

Connie, a pupil at Varndean Sixth Form College, said: "They were really nice and made us feel relaxed even when we made mistakes.

"They were very complimentary and supportive and we felt better because they made mistakes and had to do bits again too."

Although she was nervous at the start of filming, Connie said she would love to perform for the television cameras again.

She said: "It went really well and I really enjoyed it.

"They treated us like stars for the day.

"I had such a good day I didn't want it to be over and the experience

of performing for the cameras has spurred us all on even more to achieve our ambition of success.

"I could really get used to life as a pop star."

The girls not only had to sing for the show but were also interviewed on camera by members of Steps.

Connie, Cassie and Claire, who have also been filmed on the beach in Seaford, were picked for the show from hundreds of hopefuls who attended auditions across the country.

If they win the grand final on March 31, they will be given the chance

to follow in the footsteps of hundreds of pop acts making their name in

the industry by performing their own song on

hit Saturday morning BBC programme Live and Kicking.

But first they must win the heat by coming top of a telephone vote when the programme is aired on March 3 on BBC 1.

Connie added: "I don't think we will be that disappointed if we

don't win because we will have already been on television.

"But it would be great and we are hoping as many people as possible will vote for us."

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