LOCAL performers are being sought to appear in two Christmas shows.

Two different shows will be staged to cater for all tastes in the Gala Theatre's first ever Christmas spectacular.

Amateur actors, singers and dancers of all ages will appear alongside a core group of professionals.

Children who can sing and dance are needed to play the pirate 'ratlings' in Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates, alternating performances in two teams.

They are also required to play the vital roles of Tiny Tim and the Cratchit children in the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

Actors and singers of all ages are needed for other roles in the show.

Durham City Council has invited panto veteran Charles Vance to be the producer. Dates for the auditions will be announced shortly.