Auditions held for aspiring stars

FunStars perform on stage and help out with kids' clubs and talent shows

Auditions are being held in Newcastle by a holiday company seeking to recruit hundreds of entertainers for its forthcoming summer season.

Haven Holidays needs more than 300 FunStars - singers and dancers who perform on stage as well as help to run the kids' clubs and talent shows.

The company said that despite the economic downturn bookings were higher than at the same time last year.

Auditions are being held at the Royal Station Hotel on Monday and Tuesday.

Aspiring performers will be put through their paces by a panel of judges.

Great fun

Entertainments producer Simon Daniels, who is holding the auditions, said: "We are looking for dynamic people with bright, bubbly personalities.

"You need to be a real team player to do well as everyone has to pull together to deliver our top quality entertainment package."

He added: "It's hard work but exhilarating and great fun."

The two Haven holiday parks in Northumberland are also preparing to fill 200 vacancies for other seasonal jobs in areas such as catering, reception, security, cleaning and for pool life guards among other positions.

A Haven spokesman said: "Despite the credit crunch and economic downturn, we enjoyed a record season in 2008 as families flocked back to traditional seaside resorts.

"So far for 2009 bookings are very encouraging, and we are up more than 5% compared with the same time last year."