BUDDING thespians in Shildon are being sought for a children’s musical theatre group.

Representatives from the town’s Tearaways Youth Theatre Group are creating the Children’s Amateur Theatre Society (CATS) for youngsters aged eight to eleven to take part in singing, dancing and acting.

The initiative aims to provide training and coaching which will enable children to perform musical productions in front of live theatre audiences.

Members’ may progress into joining the Tearaways group when they reach the age threshold for CATS.

A venue for the society will be arranged when member numbers are confirmed, but the group will meet in Shildon on Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Sessions will cost £2 weekly, which will go towards funding future productions and costumes.

A group spokesman said: "Most groups in the area cater for eleven to 25-year-olds, but we found there was a need for a younger musical theatre group.

"It is also an opportunity for children to make new friends, work as part of a team, and improve their health and creativity skills."

Anyone interested in joining the group should call 01388-774838 or 07747-826324.