SINGERS and actors were put through their paces as they auditioned for entertainment jobs at Alton Towers.

The theme park is continuing its recruitment of entertainers for its forthcoming main season, which starts on March 28.

Yesterday, 10 hopefuls took part in open auditions where they showcased their performance skills in front of park managers.

The candidates had been told to bring a CV and wear comfortable clothing but had no idea what they would be asked to do once they arrived.

Two of those auditioning were 18-year-olds Adam Charlton and Alex Marsh.

Adam, who lives in Stone and is on a gap year, said: "I worked at the park last year as a litter picker but I really wanted to be part of the entertainment team.

"I kept asking them and telling them I wanted a part in a show but they never got back to me so here I am.

"As soon as I heard about the auditions I knew I had to turn up because it's what I want to do and it's a bit more exciting than picking up litter.

"We've not been told what to expect so the whole thing is quite exciting really."

Alex, who lives in Whiston, is a dance student at Burton College. She said: "My mum saw the auditions advertised in the paper and told me about them.

"I've always wanted to work at Alton Towers because it's a fun place and a big name attraction.

"I'm hoping to get a role in one of the shows because that's the kind of career path I'm hoping to take.

"It will be a really good experience and I think it will look great having it on my CV."

After filling in their application forms, the candidates were given a presentation about Alton Towers and an insight into the season ahead.

They were then asked to perform a series of tasks, including entertaining without using words, signing and dancing and performing in groups.

Staffordshire University student John Symes, aged 40, was one of the oldest candidates to audition.

John, who lives in Leek Road, Shelton, is studying psychology and criminology.

He said: "I'm hoping to get a position just as a form of paid work at the moment.

"I've appeared in about 30 short films before and I'm currently filming my first feature film so I'm quite confident of finding something here.

"Finding jobs in the entertainment industry is very difficult at the moment."

Positions up for grabs at the auditions included character performers working across all areas of the resort, including the two hotels.

There are also leading and minor roles available in the park's new musical show, The Wonderful World Of Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Adam Baylis, performance manager at Alton Towers, said: "This year we are really excited about our new, bigger range of entertainment which helps deliver a truly wonderful experience to our guests.

"Usually we ask for people to apply first for entertainment roles before we ask them to come down, but we decided to have open auditions this year to give people as much chance as possible of getting a position here.

"Some of the roles will be in the new musical in Cloud Cuckoo Land and we also need character performers and other show performers.

"We normally take up to 60 entertainment roles on in the main season and we have probably filled more than half of those now."

Those taking part in yesterday's auditions will now face a nail-biting wait to find out if they have landed an entertainment job at the park.