TEENAGE Salisbury College student Russell Parsons is hoping a television appearance this weekend will shoot him to stardom as a pop singer.

Russell Parsons (16), of Quidhampton, will impersonate Robbie Williams when he competes in the new kids version of the hit Granada TV series of Stars in Their Eyes on Saturday.

He will be appearing in the fifth round of the six-week series, hosted by Matthew Kelly, with the chance of going into the live final the following Saturday night, October 5.

A former pupil of Westwood St Thomas School, Russell is now studying music at Salisbury College and is the singer with local group JfK.

"I'm a big Robbie Williams fan and sing a lot of his numbers with the group," he said.

"My favourite Robbie song is Road to Mandalay but in the show I'll be singing Let Me Entertain You, because it's got more of a beat to it.

"I am hoping to do really well and boost my chances of becoming a professional singer. It's my ambition to become a big star like Robbie."

Russell lives with his parents, Brian and Lesley Parsons, and has three older brothers, Kevin, Adam and Wayne.

Mrs Parsons said: "Russell has been singing since he was three and has a really good voice. He also writes his own songs.

"He sounds a lot like Robbie Williams and the whole family will be willing him on when he steps out on stage."