YOU can tell when summer is over when auditions for York Theatre Royal's Christmas pantomime begin.

Today children aged eight to 11 were auditioning for parts in Dick Whittington, which will grace the Theatre Royal stage from December 13 to February 3.

About 70 children turned out for the auditions, which involved singing, dancing and generally having a fun day.

The successful few will join York's legendary panto dame Berwick Kaler and his regular stage buddy Martin Barrass for the show.

Two teams of children will be chosen to perform on alternating nights and rehearsals will be held in late November and early December.

PICTURE: STEPPING OUT: Abigail Carter, left, of Stockton Lane, York, and Tess Ellison, of Haxby, audition for this year's pantomime at York Theatre Royal's rehearsal rooms today (Garry Atkinson)