CALLING all wannabe Redcoats! Fancy working alongside Noddy, The Hulk or Billy Bear?

The search is on for fresh new talent to don one of the most famous uniforms in the entertainment industry and razzle-dazzle holidaymakers at Butlins Minehead this summer.

A number of Pop Idol-style recruitment days are to be held across the country at the end of January, and anyone over 18 with a yen to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Roy Hudd, Cliff Richard, and Albert Square's Alfie Ritchie -- all ex-Redcoats -- should contact Butlins now.

John Whybrow, of Butlins at Minehead, said the resort is looking for up to 30 new Redcoats and cast members who will be offered the chance to learn entertainment skills such as live stage performances, street entertainment, circus skills, urban street dance and DJ-ing. It also needs technicians, wardrobe staff and stage crew.

"Wannabe Redcoats will be assessed on their singing, dancing and acting skills by a panel of six judges at venues in London, Birmingham and Leeds later this month," he said.

He warned that competition would be tough. "Each open audition attracts up to 500 hopefuls looking for work at Butlins across the UK," he said.

Anybody wanting to apply for an audition can contact Butlins Minehead recruitment hotline on 01643-700592.