YOUNG musicians are to be given the chance to showcase their talent in an open-air charity concert.

Music in the Park will be launched in Westhoughton this summer.

The event, hosted by Westhoughton Rotary Club, will provide up to six hours of music, with all proceeds going to local causes.

Budding performers are being invited to take part in the under-18s showcase, which will take place on Saturday, July 7, on a custom-built, outdoor bandstand at St James primary school, Daisy Hill.

Bands and choirs from five schools have already signed-up to perform and organisers are looking to fill a total of 12 programme slots with exciting new talent in the shape of school or independent bands and singing groups.

John Moutrie, of Westhoughton Rotary, said: "From time to time the club has had school choirs and bands play at our events.

"We've always been very impressed by the level of talent and the amount of work they put in to their performances so we thought it would be rather nice to take it to the rest of the town.

"The event is a celebration of young, local talent. We would like to make it a permanent feature on Westhoughton's calendar and encourage people to get behind it."

Local businesses are being sought to sponsor the event and local charities and organisations are being invited to run stalls.

Groups from the following five schools are confirmed for the programme: Eatock primary, Westhoughton; St George's primary, Westhoughton; St James primary, Daisy Hill; St Thomas primary, Chequerbent, and Kearsley West primary, Kearsley.

North-west big band group, Sweet Rhythm, will also perform at the event, which will feature refreshments and a beer tent for adults.

St James head teacher, John Gregory, had the fully-kitted bandstand built in the school field four-years-ago and is thrilled that it will now host its first major event. He said: "When we had our stage built I wanted it to be a community facility that would give kids and adults the opportunity to perform . I'm delighted that we can host this exciting event."

To take part in the event or to offer sponsorship, contact 01204 669336.