Cononley X-Factor star Luke Bayer has given his seal of approval to a new local education Internet site.

The 15-year-old was among those who attended the launch of Bradford district's online prospectus bradford4learning.com.

The South Craven School student, pictured, who just missed out on the live final stage of last year's hit X-Factor TV talent contest, spoke about his experiences on the show.

And he explained how the new website was helping him decide what to do after his GCSEs this summer.

"I was really surprised how many different performing arts courses there were to choose from," he said. "I'm going to read all the information and attend some open days to help me make my decision."

Others at the launch included Bradford Bulls' players Chris Feather and Matt James.

They presented awards to young people from across the district who chose the visual style of the website and tested the navigation design in its first phase of development.

Among the recipients were pupils from Braithwaite Special School, in Keighley.

More than 100 young people and professionals were at the event to learn about the new online prospectus, which allows 14-to-19-year-olds to find out about every local school, college and work-based learning opportunity.

They can find unbiased information about diplomas, apprenticeships and all other qualifications.

By 2010 every young person in Bradford district will apply for their courses online via the website.

Anne Weston, the prospectus project manager for Bradford, said young people would begin applying online for courses during the next academic year.

She said: "It will open doors they never knew were there and simplify putting in applications and requests for information.

"As it develops, you will be able to see progression options through all the levels of learning right up to higher education.

"Bradford4learning.com belongs to the whole district and I want to hear from people what it is they would like to see there."