A TRIO of would-be Gwent pop stars are hoping their bands will emulate the boy-girl success of Steps and S Club 7.

Gwent teenagers Rickie Lee Arthur and Ben Helmore are gearing up for the big time as members of Off Limits after being signed up by the same talent agency that launched successful girl band Dragonheart.

Meanwhile, Newport-born Gavin James Cromwell is the front man with DV8, due to be launched in London and Cardiff in the near future.

Rickie, of Magor, and Ben, from Ynysddu, both 16, have joined up with Lorna, 14, and Samantha Hoare, 13, to form Off Limits.

The band is the first to be put together by Music Wales by the agency's Rising Stars programme, which is scouring South Wales for the cream of young musical talent.

Rickie, who has a strong theatrical background, is hoping to emulate the success of Dragonheart - and its Cwmbran member Casey Jay Wilcox-Simmons.

"Since joining Music Wales my vocals have become a lot louder and my dancing has improved - I've got Dragonheart to thank for that because they've been going through some of their moves with me."

Ben said his path into pop music had a Dragonheart connection. "I saw them perform a show at my old school, Pontllanfraith Comprehensive, and decided to go for an audition.

"We are hoping to be as successful as them and give it all we've got." DV8's line-up of two girls and two boys have been working in the studios to lay down tracks and making personal appearances all around the country.

"I would describe them as a commercial dance band who are not really like anyone else," said Mike Smith, of DV8 management.

"They are not as commercial as Steps, although they do have that appeal - two boys, two girls, with very catchy dance routines - but they are more clubby than Steps."

Auditions are continuing for Rising Stars. Telephone 07779 712879 or 07812 805708, or make an online application by visiting the Music Wales website on http://musicwales.com/RISINGSTARS.htm