TALENTED young people have been busy rehearsing as auditions for a council talent contest are to open in a few days.

The W Factor, organised by Wychavon District Council, is set to return with open auditions being held later this month.

The search is on for the most talented young singers, dancers, comedians and actors.

Auditions begin on Tuesday, January 17, taking place at Droitwich Spa High School.

On Wednesday, January 17, auditions continue at De Montfort School in Evesham, while on Thursday, January 19, auditions will be held at the Civic Centre in Pershore.

All auditions will be held from 5.30pm.

The competition is open to performers aged between 11 and 18 who live in Wychavon, and the categories they can enter are dance, singing, drama, circus and comedy.

Jenny Davis, Wychavon District Council’s Arts Development Officer, said: “It’s a privilege to bring back The W Factor again to Wychavon.

"Over the years the competition has been brilliant for developing young artists, but it’s also been great at helping those taking part to develop their confidence and build a strong personality, which will hopefully help them as they pursue their careers.”

The selected finalists will get to perform at the Number 8 Arts Centre in Pershore with industry-standard production facilities on Monday, March 6, from 7.30pm.

Winners will also receive training from professional artists, to help them develop and they will be able to perform at local events throughout the summer of 2017.

To attend an audition, fill out an application form which is available at wychavon.gov.uk/events-training-and-workshops.

Alternatively call Rahma Matin on 01836 565208 or email rahma.matin@wychavon.gov.uk to request an application form and return it to Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT.

Anyone wanting to come to an audition will need to fill out an application form. These are available online from www.wychavon.gov.uk/events-training-and-workshops.

Alternatively, telephone Rahma Matin on 01836 565208 or email rahma.matin@wychavon.gov.uk to request a form and return it to: Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT

Remember…it’s free to enter so sign up for an audition today. The final for 2016 saw 36 young people from across Wychavon compete in front of family and friends for the accolade of being crowned a winner in one of the five categories.