Two reporters with a background in entertainment have been asked to join the judging panel of the Hull Daily Mail's talent contest Talent Trail 2003.

Kelly Todd and Jessica Boulton were picked because of their expertise in the field - and they will sit alongside the other judges, plucked from the entertainment world.

Kelly, the youngest reporter in the newsroom, was chosen because she's no stranger to the stage, having attended a summer stage school and previously singing in several choirs.

She said: "I know what the pressure of being on stage can be like.

"If people have the guts to get up on stage, we'll all be pleased to give them a chance."

Jessica is one of the Mail's newest reporters and also has a background in performing.

From the age of seven she has enjoyed classes in disco and ballroom dancing and has also tried her hand at acting in stage productions such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Sweet Charity.

She's kept her dancing up while at university and qualified for the national disco championships.

She said: "I can't wait to see what Hull has to offer. Those with a real buzz about them, who give it their all, will get my vote."

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