A FORMER Talent Trail winner says taking the competition's title helped him carve a successful music career.

Craig Harper, who used the stage name CJ Harper in the 1996 contest, says the competition helped open doors for him.

Craig, 37, said the Mail's Talent Trail taught him so much about the industry and it can do the same for this year's entrants.

The former city resident, who now lives in Heckmondwike in West Yorkshire, said: "Talent Trail teaches you how to prepare yourself for life in the entertainment world.

"It is all about opening doors and the first door can open with something like Talent Trail.

"Anyone who wants to make it in the industry needs to enter competitions and watch the other acts to learn from them."

Craig, who now travels the world performing on cruise ships, at hotels and corporate events, says he first entered Talent Trail for "a bit of a laugh".

He then won his heat, impressed judges in the semi-final and the final - winning the competition.

He walked away with the top prize of £1,000 after singing Love Is All Around, Ever Lasting Love and his own rendition of Old MacDonald Had A Farm using the names of personalities of the time.

And he had plenty of advice for anyone entering this year's Talent Trail.

He said: "Be prepared to lose and just go in it for the experience, then if you do win and are successful that's great.

"You have to think of the material and go for originality. Think outside the box.

"The main thing is to enjoy the experience and walk out on stage looking confident and happy.

"There is no second chance at a first impression, so make sure you look like you're enjoying yourself."

Proceeds from this year's Talent Trail, which is being sponsored by KC, will go to the Mail's charity of the year, Dove House Hospice's Love You 2 Appeal.

The winner will take away £1,500, a trophy, studio time worth up to £1,000 and a photoshoot with Topcolour in Hessle Road.

The second prize is £750 and third prize is £250.

To enter simply fill out the form on this page or log on to www.thisishull.co.uk/talenttrail

Please note entry for the special youngster heat has now closed.