FIVE starstruck children from the region have won some dream roles, working with some of the country's leading actors.

The youngsters have been chosen to join the Royal Shakespeare Company's tour when it visits Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

The company will be staging The Merry Wives of Windsor and Coriolanus at the Hambleton Leisure Centre from February 4 to 8.

Eight-year-old Saffron Johnson, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, Nick Sellars, 13, of Appleton Wiske, North Yorkshire, Elliot Francis, 15, of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, and Brett Upton, eight, of Newton Aycliffe will feature in Merry Wives. Jonathan Harrison, eight, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, will be in Coriolanus.

The five won the places after two auditions.

The first saw 30 tested for the parts and the number was whittled down to 12 for the second. The five will link up with the RSC two days before opening night for intensive rehearsals.

* Tickets for Coriolanus are still available by calling (01609) 777070. The Merry Wives of Windsor is sold out.