STAR-STRUCK youngsters are being urged to enter Sunderland's Summer Showcase 2000 talent competition.

Sunderland City Council leisure department is looking for budding singers, dancers, groups, comedians and magicians to sign up for the event.

The acts that impress the judges at a series of auditions will be selected for the grand final at which they will have the chance to tread the boards of the city's Empire Theatre.

The competition, which has been held annually for several years, is open to youngsters aged five to 16 and auditions will be split into three age groups and held at the Crowtree Leisure Centre.

Five to eight-year-olds will be held next Tuesday, nine to 12s the following day, and 13 to 16-year-olds on the Thursday.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "Whatever your talent, whether it be music, dancing, magic or something completely original, come and show it off.

"Successful candidates will be invited to perform in front of an audience in the grand final at the Sunderland Empire on Friday, September 1."

The winners will be chosen from all three age groups and will win a trophy and £100 cash prize. The runners-up will get £50 and third place £30.

The entry charge for solo performers is £5, duos £8 and groups (three to eight people) pay £10.

Application forms are available from the city's leisure centres and should be returned to Crowtree Leisure Centre before 5pm tomorrow.

For further details call Crowtree Leisure Centre on 0191-5532600.