YOUNG thespians in Burnley are looking for a new chairman.

Since Andrew Walker stepped down at the end of 2006, Burnley Youth Theatre has been advertising the post within its board of directors.

Applications from other people in the community are also being considered.

Mr Walker, who will stay on as a board member, said the time was right for him to move on after a period of huge changes, including the opening in June of its new building in Queen's Park Road.

He said: "It is now vital that Burnley Youth Theatre fulfils its potential as a resource for the young people and the wider community of Burnley.

"This is the key challenge for the new chair. What we need is someone with the enthusiasm, experience and time to lead Burnley Youth Theatre into an exciting future."

Burnley Youth Theatre was founded in 1973. Thirty three years later the group is considered one of the most advanced youth theatres in the country and is in the vanguard of community activities with young people.

The organisation works with an average of 450 youngsters a week aged five to 25. The annual programme encompasses all art forms through a range of workshops, projects and partnership schemes.

Anyone interested in taking over the role, or in joining the board of directors, should call Andrew Raffle on 01282 427767 or e-mail him at byt4@aol.com