YOUTH theatre groups in Darlington are oversubscribed, leaving some children unable to take to the stage.

But efforts are under way to try to resolve the situation and allow more youngsters to take part in drama activities.

Simon Gibson, leader of the Darlington Youth Theatre Company, said: "There are youth theatre groups in Darlington, but not enough of them, and there is a lack of provision for children in the area."

However, Mr Gibson has recently contacted the National Association for Youth Theatres in an attempt to co-ordinate efforts to improve the situation.

The Darlington Youth Theatre Company is based at the Arts Centre and meets every Friday.

For more details, contact the centre on (01325) 483221.

The Back From The Brink theatre company in Darlington has also decided to set up a youth theatre group, which is to be based in North Road School.

For more information about that group, telephone (01325) 264934