Auditions for the 2009 Oxford Gang Show attracted Scouts and Guides from across the county today.

About 70 young hopefuls showed off their talents at the Oxford Scout headquarters in William Street, off Marston Road.

About 50 were selected and will be guaranteed a place in the cast for the 56th annual Oxford Gang Show, which runs between March 9 and 14 next year.

Individual auditions for singing, acting and dancing roles will take place later on in the year.

This year's gang show, featuring 14 cabaret acts, was staged at the New Theatre, in George Street, Oxford.

It took six months to rehearse and cost £50,000 to stage.