THE search is on for more than 100 talented young performers to take part in a summer production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Dionysis Theatre Company will hold a series of workshop auditions to find a cast of 120 to star in the show at Durham's Gala Theatre in August. The Spennymoor company needs actors, dancers, singers and musicians aged eight to 25 and 16 to 25-year-olds to work backstage. Talented musicians are also needed for the orchestra. Auditions will be held during the week commencing Monday, February 17, for details call Dionysis on (01388) 420093 or visit the website www.dionysis.co.uk.

CHARITY SHOP: Donations are needed for the Mayor's Charity Shop in Duke Street, Darlington. Grants are given from the mayor's fund to various charities and at the end of the year Darlington Alzheimer's and Cox's Memorial Homes at Middleton St George will be presented with a donation. Anyone who needs help transporting items to the shop can call (01325) 332820.

PEACE VIGIL: The Darlington for Peace group has agreed to take part in a vigil in Sedgefield against any possible war with Iraq. Participants are asked to meet on the village green, outside St Edmund's Church, at 11am.

HALL CONVERSION: Darlington Borough Council has received a planning application to turn a church hall into a home. Alison Harrison and John Hopps from Grange Road in Darlington want to turn the hall at Haughton Green into a house. The application will be heard in the coming months.

MEETING TIMES: A series of annual meetings take place in Sedgefield village at the start of February. The Local History Society opens its programme with the annual meeting on Monday, February 3, in Ceddesfeld Hall, at 7.45pm. It will be followed by a talk by Bill Griffiths on Segedunum Roman Fort - Baths and Museum- The Roman Empire's 21st Century Outpost. On Tuesday, February 4, the annual meeting of the Friends of Hardwick Park takes place in Sedgefield Parish Hall at 7.30pm. On the same evening Sedgefield Garden Society will hold a meeting in Ceddesfeld Hall at 7.30pm with a pie and peas supper following.

HOUSING MEETING: Three Rivers Housing Group is to consult with residents in Ferryhill Station on what action to take with empty properties in The Rows. Operations director Pete Ottowell has invited all residents to a meeting at The Eldon Arms, Ferryhill Station, on Wednesday, at 6pm.

HIGHLAND DANCING: The Scott School of Highland Dancing, in Newton Aycliffe, is setting up a class for beginners, aimed at children under ten. Anyone interested can contact Sarah Scott on (01325) 320418.

CIVIC BALL: Great Aycliffe Town Council's civic ball will be held in Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Friday, February 21, from 7pm. Tickets, priced £15, and further information are available from (01325) 300700.