HUNDREDS of Dorset residents proved that they really do have the X Factor at auditions in Bournemouth town centre on Saturday.

Performers from around the county - and beyond - visited the Square's Obscura Cafe to test their ability before a panel of three judges.

See all the pictures of people who queued for the auditions in a gallery 

And first in line was Josh Colmer-Tanner, 18, from Canford Heath.

The singer, who performed Wake Me Up by Aloe Blacc, was hoping it would be second time lucky after first auditioning last year.

"I queued for four hours last year, so I thought it was best to get here early today," he said.

"I got through to the next round at the Emirates Stadium, but then my nerves got the better of me. But I've been working on it since last year, so I've got my fingers crossed."

Many Ferndown parents will know 21-year-old Charlotte Culver from First Class Day Nursery School in Mountbatten Drive.

But on Saturday she transformed into a popstar, singing Dancing On My Own instead of her students' favourite, Let It Go from film Frozen.

Jemma Bridgeman, 32, also picked a big song for her audition - Black Velvet by Alannah Myles.

She said: "I've been singing since I was 20, but I get really bad stage-fright.

"I feel really nervous today. Every year since the X Factor started [in 2004] I've wanted to audition, but this is the first time I've ever done it."

There were no such nerves for Kelly Whitelock, 40, who took on Rolling In The Deep by Adele for her audition.

Speaking after her audition, she said producers had asked her what she'd do if she met infamous judge Simon Cowell - to which she replied: "I'd defend myself."

Kio Jones, 24, queued with mum Kim outside the cafe to audition.

And although Kim hadn't planned on taking part herself, she ended up performing her own song with her daughter for the Daily Echo.

Kim said: "When Kio sings, it makes me cry - she's got such a beautiful voice.

"I'm really proud of her."

Teacher Grae Westgate, 29, was asked to perform two songs for judges - one with his guitar, and one without.

He said: "I was really nervous, but the producers were nice and I just hope that I've done enough."

And all those who auditioned now have a long and nerve-wracking wait to find out if they were successful or not.

Producers of the popular show will contact successful applicants by July 17 to invite them back for another audition.