IT'S Totstar v Pop Idol as Demi Holborn takes on the might of Gareth Gates in the charts. Pontypool pop princess Demi is set to go head to head with Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates next week as their newly-released singles battle it out for the number one spot.

Ten-year-old Demi, a Pontnewynydd Primary School pupil from Belle Vue Close, Trevethin, won GMTV's competition to become the nation's Totstar. Now she is aiming for number one with her first single, a double A-side of the New Seekers' hit I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing and My Boy, released next Monday.

But her ambition could be thwarted by spiky-haired 17-year-old Gareth, or she could find herself held off the top spot by Elton John.

Gareth's debut single, a cover of The Righteous Brothers Unchained Mel-ody went straight to number one.

His second, Any One of Us was released on Monday. Karl Williams of bookmakers Jack Brown said: "We would assume Gareth will go to number one this Sunday and Elton John's Sport Relief charity single, which comes out the same day as Demi's, will be number one the following week. But we are taking bets on Pop Idol v Tot Idol and who will finish highest in the charts on Sunday, July 21.

"We think Gareth will be stronger nationally, as he is a household name, but Demi has a lot of local support and will give him a run for his money. At the moment, the support is for Demi."

The youngster beat around 7,000 children from around the UK to win the GMTV title, polling 116,365 of the 200,000 votes in a phone poll for the final four.

She gained a recording contract with Universal Records and a slot performing at the Party in the Park at Cardiff Castle.

GMTV are previewing the single all week, but Demi's mum Louise admitted it will be a tough battle. She said: "It's difficult in that business, anyway. It's just nice to have that opportunity and she is having a fabulous time, which is all that matters." She added: "Demi does like Gareth, but she actually voted for Will Young!"

*DEMI'S success has brought a flood of letters of support and the family have been stopped countless times by people in the street. Mrs Holborn said: "People have been fabulous, including the Argus."