AN ENTERPRISING group of students are organising a talent show for charity – with children’s TV star Chris Jarvis as host.

The 14-year-olds are putting on the show, called Scouting for Talent, as part of their entry in the Daily Echo-backed Shore-ideas competition.

The talent contest, for ages eight to 21, will raise money for the Downs Syndrome Association.

Auditions will be held at the Hallmark Hotel, Durley Chine Road, on Thursday April 3, 5-9pm; Friday April 4, 5-9pm; and Saturday April 5, 9am until at least 12noon.

The grand final will be at the Pavilion Theatre on Sunday, May 4, to be hosted by Chris Jarvis, known for CBeebies and as a regular in Bournemouth’s pantos.

The talent contest is open to singers, bands, dancers, com-edians, magicians and any other young people with performing talent.

Its organisers are all students at Bournemouth School or Bournemouth School for Girls, who banded together as Team Dragon to put on the event and secured sponsorship from Ridgeway, Bournemouth.

Blair Crawford, a Bournemouth councillor and chief executive of the town’s YMCA, has been mentoring the organisers through the Shoreideas initiative.

He said: “Young people often get bad press. It has been an absolute privilege to work with Team Dragon and help them realise their dream while supporting such a worthwhile cause.

“It has been hard work and a lot of valuable lessons have been learned but I am sure that the grand final will give us all a night to remember.”

To enter the competition, visit shoreideas.co.uk.

There is a £5 entry fee and friends and family can watch by paying £1.

The The deadline for entries is April 1.

The top prize for the final at the Pavilion is £200, with a range of other prizes.

Tickets for the final will cost £11 (concessions £9) and can be booked online, with proceeds going to the Downs Syndrome Association and the Shoreideas charity.

Shoreideas is a social enter-prise challenge launched by Bournemouth YMCA to help young people become entre-preneurs while raising money for charity.

Groups were invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of business lions and Team Dragon is one of eight successful teams.