A HOST of young talent is to take to the stage for a special variety show next month.

Young performers from across the borough will strut their stuff at the 2002 Bury Variety Showcase held at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich.

The event is the brainchild of the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Paul Nesbit, who also represents Sedgley Park ward.

Coun Nesbit's charities for his term of office are mainly children's organisations and he wanted to acknowledge the good work of local youth as a change to hearing about complaints.

He said: "Being the Mayor of Bury is not just about raising money for charity, it's also about finding something good in the borough. I knew there was a lot of talent among young people out there and wanted to give them a chance to show that talent to others. Too often we hear about people complaining about what the youth of today get up to." The celebration of local talent will take place during the afternoon of Sunday, February 3, from 1.30pm and will feature a selection of artistes, including dancers, solo singers and youngsters from Bury College and Radcliffe High School.

There will also be a rock band, punk band and rappers, as well as classical musicians.

Director of the showcase is Carol Jason, who sings with Prestwich-based function band Celebration.

Carol said: "There will be every kind of music represented. It is not a competition but we have held auditions to make sure that we display as much variety as we can."

Tickets for the event are £2 and all the family is encouraged to attend and enjoy the show.

For details contact the Mayor's Office at Bury Town Hall on 253 5117.

All money raised will be donated to the Mayor's Charity Appeal.