TAKEOFF 2004 is back in Darlington, at the arts centre from Sunday to Wednesday. Takeoff is England's leading annual celebration of professional theatre for children and young people. It is organised by CTC Theatre, based at the Arts Centre in Vane Terrace, where the festival was a hit in 1996 and 1999.

In four packed days, 1,500 young people of all ages will enjoy 15 excellent shows from Italy, South Africa, France and Belgium, as well as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A special bonus this year is support from UK Trade and Investment, a section of the Department for Trade and Industry.

Festival organiser Paul Harman was delighted: "At last the Government has recognised that professional theatre for young people is a significant contributor to our overseas profile as a creative nation," he said.

He added: "In the last 12 months, CTC Theatre has sent the same productions which have been enjoyed in hundreds of North-East schools to festivals in Canada, Germany, Austria, Spain and Singapore. That means new earnings for us but also the stimulating challenge of meeting international colleagues and developing a competitive edge."

At the arts centre, Carmel College and in four of the town's nurseries, children of all ages will enjoy 34 performances. Most are sold out but members of the public can still book for two shows - Tselane's Song from South Africa (for six- to eight-year-olds), on Sunday at 7.30; and Too Many Cooks from the Bristol-based company Travelling Light (for seven- to 11-year-olds), on Tuesday, 7pm.

Tickets for the two shows are available for £7 (£3.50 children) from the box office on 01325 486555.