THE search is on to find models to take part in a top multicultural fashion show in Bolton.

Auditions for both male and female models will be held on Thursday between 6pm and 8pm at the Pack Horse Hotel in Bolton town centre for the inaugral Apna Bazaar on July 24.

Top fashion houses from around the world will display their new styles from both Eastern and Western cultures on the catwalk in front of 200 people to celebrate the multicultural diversity in the town.

Models aged from 10 upwards do not need any experience as organisers will provide full training. Another audition is planned for July 1.

Event organiser Azizah Musa, said: "We want models from all walks of life to audition for the show to reflect the cultural diversity of the town. It's going to be a fantastic event with a range of clothing representing a blend of East and West. We want to celebrate the diverse multi-cultural heritage which we have in Bolton and the Apna Bazaar is the perfect way to demonstrate this." The fashion show, organised by the Apna News newspaper and supported by the Bolton Evening News, will form part of a day long event, a careers fair and a gala awards ceremony called the Diversity Awards -- which will honour people or companies from Bolton who have broken down cultural barriers and encouraged diversity in the town.

The careers fair runs from 10am until 4pm and the fashion shows are at 11am and 3pm, with a 1pm session for women only. The day will be concluded with the Diversity Awards from 7pm until 12midnight.

Organisers have also invited businesses to get involved in the project, either as an exhibitor, an employer at the careers fair, or as a sponsor of the fashion shows.

Businesses will be able to attend a short presentation tomorrow at the Pack Horse from 12.30pm, followed by a light buffet. Places for the presentation are free but limited and can be reserved.

Models or businesses who wish to get involved in the fashion show should contact Azizah Musa on 01204 365456 or 07973 168857, or e-mail apna@apnaonline.net