A STOCKTON Heath singing sensation who just missed out on the X Factor finals in 2011 is fronting a weekly set of acts at a Manchester venue.

Max Vickers, of Bedford Street, was given a slot at Piccadilly’s B-Lounge in April.

But after impressing venue staff he has been given the opportunity to showcase his talents and bring along his own acts each week.

The former Priestley College student narrowly missed out on a spot in the last-16 of the X Factor after making it to Gary Barlow’s house.

But he said he is relishing the opportunity to engage with Manchester crowds in his latest project.

“Being able to introduce talent from around Warrington and other areas to give them a platform to play their own tunes to a live audience is great,” said Max.

“It’s a good experience for the artists and enjoyable for the audience hopefully!

“To play in a city like Manchester is great and will give me more of a feel for the scene.”

Max made his X Factor debut more than two and a half years ago.

“Since coming off the show I have been writing a lot of music and trying to find my own style and the right producers who fit my music,” he added.

“Initially there were loads of opportunities and a lot of stuff coming in as people representing labels want to talk to you but you have to be careful and choose the right people to help.

“I have a good management team behind me, we are producing some good work and work well together, I just need to keep doing what I’m doing.”

* To see Max perform, visit the B-Lounge on Thursdays between 8pm and 11pm.