YOUNG people are being offered the chance to take part in the next production at the Octagon Theatre.

The Bolton theatre is looking for people to help create a full-scale production of The Secret Garden.

Anyone aged eight to 25 is invited on board the project which will take place across three weeks in the summer holidays alongside the theatre's new artistic team and a team of actors.

The project is specifically designed for young people to experience theatre-making and will start Monday, July 25, with participants developing skills in performance, production, design and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment.

Creative learning producer Christina Lydon said: "This is such an exciting project, through which we want to give young people a brilliant opportunity to get involved in theatre and to gain experience of a producing theatre environment.

"We want young people to come along to learn, to enjoy the art of making theatre together, and to perform a much-loved story on our stage."

The Secret Garden, listed in the BBC’s “Big Read’s” Top 50 Books, will be brought to life in a new adaptation by the Octagon’s own BAFTA-nominated writer Janys Chambers.

The young people will be the stars of the show and will be supported in the production by a team of professional actors, including Harry Long, whore returns to the theatre after his roles as Elyot in Private Lives and as Arthur in The Family Way.

He will be playing Mr Craven in the production with further casting announcements to follow.

The project will run Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, as well as the performance times on August 11 to 13.

Places are £120 per person for the three weeks and a limited number of free bursary places are available.

To book visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk or call 01204 520661.

If you would like to apply for a bursary, or for more information, email participation@octagonbolton.co.uk.