YOUNGSTERS with ambitions to take part in musicals have auditioned for membership of a leading county youth theatre group.

About 50 children aged between eight and 18 competed for about 15 places with Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS), which each year stages a full musical at the Swan Theatre, and entertains people in care homes, women's institutes and other organisations with a winter cabaret.

Those who succeed will face another audition in the new year - along with the other 50 current members of WODYS - for roles in next year's musical, Back to the 80s.

This is to be staged at the Swan from Tuesday to Saturday, July 30 to August 3.

While auditions are held for roles, every member is guaranteed a part in the musical.

WODYS is a popular youth drama group and competition for membership is keen.

David Humphries, chairman and director, said: ''Membership calls for dedication, as we start rehearsing the annual musical in January and members are expected to attend each Saturday morning, while principals also have Sunday rehearsals."

"For those who are not successful we would like to remind them that there is also the chance to

join the group's academy, WODAC, where they will receive training in stagecraft which should help them if they want to audition for WODYS again in the future."

This year's membership hopefuls include some who have been receiving training at WODAC. The youngsters have also been attending preliminary workshops in recent weeks.