A VILLAGE pub is ready to become the focal point for a fundraising campaign to help build a new scout hut – and maybe even find the next Beyonce or One Direction.

The Crown in Goostrey will host open mic nights twice a month where individuals and small groups can perform and showcase their talents.

Performers will be able to take to the stage free of charge but donations on the night will go towards plans for new premises for the scouts and youth groups in the village, opposite The Crown on Main Road.

The open mic nights are the brainchild of general manager Arthur Perez and he wanted to organise fun evenings of entertainment for customers to enjoy while raising money for the youngsters.

Arthur said: “The evenings are not a talent competition but they are intended to be a relaxed musical session, perhaps even a sing along in a casual environment.

“Anyone who enjoys an evening of live entertainment with friends and family will love our open mic nights as it’s all for a good cause and you never know, we may even discover hidden talent in the village.”

Trevor Upton, who is giving his full support to the fundraising effort, said: “We’re delighted that The Crown is going to be hosting the open mic nights and we’d love people to come along and enjoy the musical talent that’s right here in our village.

“We’d also like to encourage as many local musicians as we can to get up and make music.

“We’ll have a great time and every penny donated will go straight to the Scout and Youth Centre, which we hope to start building if planning permission is received.”

The open mic nights will take place every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 7.30pm and more information is available from Arthur on 01477 532128 or Trevor on 07787 100800.