IN PICTURES: X Factor hopefuls audition in Stourbridge

Now in its thirteenth series, the reality TV music competition was visited by a group young hopefuls vying to be the next Leona Lewis or form their own version of One Direction.

Held at Base Studios off Rufford Road on Saturday people waited patiently to showcase their singing talents in front of the shows producers.

Among them was 27-year-old factory manager Mohsen Yafai, from Rodway Close. He said: "My mate heard about the auditions and told me I need to go, it was now or never. I sing all the time, it doesn't matter who I'm with or where I am, it's always been a huge passion of mine and cheers me up even on the darkest of days.

"I grew up listening to soul and RnB so that's what I stick to. I was nervous going in but the judges said I was amazing, I can't believe it."

Group Soul 4mation, consisting of Tray Richardson, aged 17, Rikardo Szczerba, Arnold Tshibangu and Milan Balaz, all 16 from All Star Vocals in Smethwick, were auditioning for the first time.

Rikardo said: "We're nervous but it's a great opportunity for us as we've only been together for around six months. We'd love to get through and make it onto the show, it would be incredible."

Base Studios was formed in 2007 as a centre to provide multi-media based rehearsal and performance facilities for musicians. It was handpicked by X Factor bosses, who described it as one of the best music studios outside of London.

Manager Warren Evans said: "It's great news for Stourbridge and brought out a lot of good singing talent the area has to offer.

"We were honoured to be chosen to host the auditions and just shows that London has got a bit of competition when it comes to music rehearsal studios.

"We held rehearsals for Britain's Got Talent back in January so it's definitely becoming a more popular venue. We hope some of the acts will have what it takes to go through."

The decisions on all the acts will be made in the next two weeks.