THE hunt is on for young hopefuls to star in a musical extravaganza planned for County Durham this summer.

Celebrate, written by former Dr Who, Colin Baker, and composer George Hastings, of Chester-le-Street, will be staged on the lawn at Lumley Castle on July 6.

Starlets can expect to work alongside pop idol Aaron Bayley, Northern Sinfonia and a number of North-East schoolchildren in the show, which charts the history and legends of the area.

Organisers need a boy and a girl, aged between eight and 14, and an older character aged 17 or above to play Lady Lily, who reputedly haunts Lumley Castle.

Any potential performers should be able to demonstrate strong acting ability and will be expected to sing solo.

The event, organised by Lumley Castle in collaboration with Chester-le-Street District Council and the Town Traders Association, will form part of a whole day of events in and around town.

Auditions for the child lead will take place at Red Rose Primary School, York Terrace, Chester-le-Street, at 10.30am on April 20.