YOUNG people will have the chance to share their talents with the public and raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice Trust at a special Journal-backed event this summer.

The Vale of Evesham Round Table is organising the Festival of Youth, which will promote talent in local schools and youth groups and raise funds for a new Acorns hospice near Worcester.

The Round Table hopes the event at Evesham Arts Centre on Saturday July 19 will raise a minimum of £2,000.

This will be added to the £2.25 million already raised for the £4 million project to build and equip the new hospice.

The Festival will be split into four classes for toddlers, primary, middle and secondary school age groups.

Entries can cover music, dance, acting or any other entertainment and entry will be free, with funds raised from the sale of tickets for a performance of the group winners and an awards presentation by a mystery celebrity.

Round Table vice-chairman Stuart Beech said the project was the first of its kind for their organisation but he hoped it would generate a lot of support for Acorns.

"It's a charity which affects a lot of people," he said.

"We chose it because it's a worthy charity and one which we thought would gain a lot of support."

The Acorns Children's Hospice cares for life-limited children and their families from across the West Midlands.

The new hospice, planned to open next year, will cater for the estimated 150 families from Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire who now need help.

Anyone who would like more information on the Vale of Evesham Festival of Youth can contact Stuart Beech on 01386 831391.