FANCY being a local West End idol? For talented youngsters in this area, this dream could become a reality.

And it is all thanks to the Daily Echo and Bournemouth's own West End idol Earl Carpenter, who is currently starring as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera in London's West End.

The project also has the support of stage and TV actress Amanda Holden.

Earl is holding auditions for young performers to join him and a host of other stars of West End and Broadway musicals in a special one-off songs from the shows concert.

Called "West End at Home" this unique Echo-backed event is being presented at The Lighthouse, Poole, on Sunday, August 21, 2005.

Earl's company is looking for young talented individuals, aged between nine and 18 years, who are skilled in acting, dancing and singing and have an interest in musical theatre.

Auditions are being held on Sunday June 19 at The Lighthouse, Poole, for a place in the ensemble of this high- profile event. At the auditions young hopefuls will be required to perform two contrasting songs of their choice with piano and learn a set piece of choreography.

Each successful applicant will join a week-long workshop (from August 15 to 19) working closely with a professional creative team culminating in a gala one-off performance at the end of the week. This non-residential workshop costs £195. This is a unique event in the UK.

The Daily Echo is offering two full scholarships and Amanda Holden - who has starred in programmes like Cutting It and The Grimleys - is funding four further discretionary assisted places for the workshop.

Amanda trained at The Jellicoe Theatre at Bournemouth and Poole College along with Earl and said she was keen to give something back to the local community.

The Daily Echo will be closely following the progress of the winners of the two Echo scholarships with full coverage in the paper, from the workshop through to the actual performance.

Anyone wishing to be considered for this should complete the Daily Echo Scholarship form that appears in the Echo starting Monday.

The decision to award a scholarship or an assisted place will be based on the

quality of the audition.

Earl says the project will provide enormous educational value and community

affiliation with the aim to encourage pupils to experience the creative environment highlighting the many disciplines needed at all levels to produce a high quality public performance.

"Each child will obtain an accelerated degree of development both in personal and career terms by experiencing the presentational skills of singing, choreography and narration."

"They will be integrated into a rehearsal period that neither patronises nor undervalues their input due to presumptions of talent and ability at a younger age."

Auditions are at Poole's Lighthouse on Sunday, June 19. 10am for nine to 13 years and 2pm for 14 to 18 years. Each audition session will last about three hours. Please arrive 30 minutes before registration.

Please remember to bring sheet music for your song, be prepared to dance and bring a photograph of yourself.