SOME lucky youngsters are literally to be given central stage this Christmas.

Headteachers are being pressed into talent-scouting gifted youngsters in their classrooms to star in the switch-on of Redcar's Christmas lights, and appear on the High Street stage on Sunday, November 27.

Every school across east Cleveland is asking pupils to enter Talent 2005, with a series of auditions planned and the prize of appearing on stage.

Redcar town centre manager John Partridge said: "We've had tribute bands in previous years, but this time we thought it would be a great idea to showcase local talent.

"We've got five age group categories and the winners will get their own spot on the stage in the lead-up to the switch-on celebrations."

All auditions will take place at Christ Church, Coatham, starting at 7pm on Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22, for primary, Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29 for key stage three, Friday, November 11 for key stage four, and Saturday, November 12 for sixth form, college and university students.

The closing date for entries in Friday, October 7.

For more information, contact Redcar town centre management on (01642) 472485.