The annual Archant awards night could offer a little more artistic interest than usual - as the organisers launch a company Pop Idol contest to find a performer for the big night in November.

The Norwich-based company, which publishes the East Anglian Daily Times, Eastern Daily Press, Evening News (Norwich) and Evening Star (Ipswich), as well as more than 60 weeklies all over the country, invites 1,400 staff to its awards evening.

Regional Pop Idol heats will be held to find candidates for a national final, with the best act getting the chance to perform in front of their colleagues - and bosses - at Alexandra Palace on November 16.

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