Hundreds of budding stage stars packed out an Oxford theatre as auditions got under way for a production of Bugsy Malone.

Despite families having to fork out £120 for each child's "stage experience" - should they be selected - the OFS, in George Street, was packed to the rafters.

The project aims to get as many children as possible involved in a professional production each summer at Oxford's New Theatre.

Sisters Katy and Agnes Donnelly, 12 and 13 respectively, came to the audition from their home in Abingdon after taking part in last year's performance of High School Musical.

Their mother Clare said: "They had a great time. They went in and did a warm up before being taught a dance, which they then practised and performed. They also did a song.

"They did High School Musical last year, had an absolute ball and loved every minute of it. It is fantastic for them to be in a professional theatre and to see what goes on behind the scenes."

Katy and Agnes are both keen stage performers and are involved in a production of Shakespeare's As You Like It at their school, St Helen and St Katharine, in Abingdon.

Speaking of the cost involved in taking part, Mrs Donnelly said: "It is definitely worth it when you look at how many hours they will spend doing it over the summer.

"Someone mentioned it works out at 70p an hour, and it is great value when you look at it that way.

"The children get so much out of it and it is much better than sitting them in front of the TV all day.

"I can understand the point of view that it is a lot of money and it would be nice if Live Nation could offer bursaries, but they are not a charity."

Rodney Howard, the musical's director, said: "This is the fifth one I have been involved with and we have seen thousands of kids.

"Unlike Oliver!, Bugsy Malone is a children's musical, with all the parts played by children, so we will be able to have as many as possible on stage."

Event co-ordinator Kerry Arnold said: "We have been really busy and there are lots of familiar faces here.

"People travel from all over to be here and the kids just love it.

"This year we had let the children vote for which musical they wanted and Bugsy won hands down."

The show will be staged at the New Theatre, in George Street, from August 7-9.