YOUNG black actors are to get a stepping stone to the arts in Huddersfield.

A new scheme is looking for new talent in the Kirklees area's African-Caribbean community.

It will then promote people's abilities.

Thirty people are to be chosen at auditions this month to learn about the basics of professional radio drama, theatre work and documentary films.

The Stepping Stone scheme is a local response to a national plan aimed at introducing more people from minority ethnic backgrounds, who are now under-represented in the arts.

The Arts Talent Hunt will be at the Hudawi Cultural Centre, Great Northern Street, Hillhouse, between 10am and 5pm on April 10.

It is being led by the Kirklees African- Caribbean Community Resource Suite and Brighouse-based Ruffneck Productions.

Ruffneck's executive director is Fragrance Francique, 31, of Brighouse, who was brought up in Huddersfield.

He has worked for the BBC in a variety of radio and drama productions.

He wants people from black, Asian and disabled backgrounds to audition. The successful ones will take part in a 12-week course which will lead to film, radio and theatre projects.