COUNCIL workers will swap desks for a place in the musical limelight to raise money for a children's charity.

An appeal has gone out at Sunderland Civic Centre and other Wearside council offices for would-be stars to take to the stage in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Organisers need ten to 15 acts for a Stars in Your Eyes show at the Lakeside Sports and Social Club, Doxford Park, Sunderland, on Friday, April 19. Tickets are £3.50.

Organiser Fran Jobling said: "The idea is for people to get up and have a go, and obviously the more talented they are the better for the audience."