THE search for the stars of the future is back as Wychavon District Council has announced the return of the W-Factor.

With auditions beginning in the New Year for the W-Factor 2015 finals, young people between the ages of 11 and 18 will once again have the opportunity to showcase their performing, visual and short film talent.

The categories this time around are visual art, short film, music, singing, dance, drama, and circus skills and there will be a winner chosen from each category.

In the run up to the finale at Number 8 Arts Centre in Pershore on Monday, March 9, three auditions will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at the Civic Centre in Pershore, from 5.30pm, on Wednesday, January 21, at Droitwich High School, from 5.30pm and on Thursday, January 22, at Evesham Arts Centre, from 6pm.

The successful acts will once again receive assistance on further training and will be invited to perform at future Wychavon events, especially during the busy summer festivals.

Jenny Davis, arts development officer, said: "I’m looking forward once again to seeing what talented young people come forward for the W Factor.

"There are always some surprises and interesting acts that bring an edge to the final show. It’s always satisfying to see the young people grow in confidence from when we see them at the audition stage, right through to the final show and the events in the summer."

Tickets for the final will be £5 each from the Number 8 box office on 01386 555488.

For more information and to attend an audition, entrants must complete an application form available from Hannah Peacop on 01386 565497 or hannah.peacop@wychavon.gov.uk.

An application pack can also be downloaded from the website wychavon.gov.uk/communitydevelopment.