HAS York got talent? It's time to find out.....

ITV's popular show Britain's Got Talent aims to find out later this month when auditions are staged at two venues in the city.

Singers, dancers, jugglers and magicians are set to descend on the Spread Eagle in Walmgate from 6pm until midnight on Thursday October 22 in the hope of making the big time.

Further auditions will be staged from 3pm until 4.30pm the following day at Tang Hall SMART, a social enterprise set up to provide clubs, classes and events for children, teenagers and adults at the former Burnholme College, now called the Burnholme Community Hub, in Bad Bargain Lane.

Producers are looking for a range of fresh talent for next year's series, urging anyone with a skill they would like to share, no matter how big or small, or old or young, to come forward.

Pub landlord Nicholas Cope, who hosted similar auditions last autumn, said on Thursday: "We are looking for singers, comedians, jugglers, magicians and anything different. We would ideally like to see some more diverse acts this year, rather than just singers."

People taking part last year included the juggler Steve Bullen, aka Magic Ball Man, local bands, acoustic rock singers, singer/songwriters and a dancer, and three made it to the next round of auditions in Manchester, said Nicholas.

He said: "If anybody would like to enter this year they can phone me on 01904 289390 or 07943 967920, email me at qcopey@hotmail.es or they can come in the Spread Eagle and book one of the places, which will be limited due to time."

Sue Williamson, managing director of Tang Hall SMART, said members of the club would be taking part, including children doing beatboxing and rapping, an Oasis tribute band and adults performing their own songs and instrumental acts. "Have we got talent? Of course we have!" she said.

However, she stressed that the auditions would also be open to other members of the public, but anyone interested would need to contact her within the next ten days via Facebook.com/tanghallsmart or its website www.tanghallsmart.com