YOUNGSTERS with star quality can showcase their talents in an extravaganza to be held on Weymouth beach.

Hundreds of young people are expected to attend the Beach Bash Talent Contest Day, a free event organised by the Weymouth and Portland Youth Council.

The teenage councillors, elected from schools across the borough, are organising the Beach Bash themselves.

The project allows them to gain hands-on experience of event management, working within a budget of £2,000, considering health and safety matters and writing-up risk assessments. The youngsters are also involved in finding sponsors, designing the logo and publicity, and providing first aid and refreshments at the talent contest on Friday, August 2.

The fine details of the event were finalised at a meeting of the youth council's sub-group.

Acting chairman Chris Griffin said: "We are all hoping to have a lot of fun like we did last year, when we had eight bands competing over six hours.

"This year is the second time we have held a Beach Bash, and this year we have widened it to include solo artists, dance and vocal acts."

The youth council is funded and supported by youth workers and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Electoral services manager Sue Bonham-Lovett is also a voluntary support worker with the youth council.

She said: "It's great to see that the youth council has really taken off this year. All the children involved are working hard and the schools are being supportive by encouraging them to take part."

Aspiring singers, dancers and musicians can scoop cash prizes of up to £100 or win a studio recording session by taking part.

Entrants must submit an application form and be auditioned at the TIDES youth centre in Weymouth. A panel will judge the acts on the day.

Talent contest entrants should be aged between 12 and 22. For an application form, contact Sue Bonham-Lovett at the council offices on (01305) 206299. The entry deadline is June 1.