The BBC has picked Bradford to launch its biggest-ever trawl for new talent.

From today, aspiring TV presenters will be able to book their places at star-making local auditions. The best will be invited to London for further screen tests.

The corporation also wants to find new sitcom writers, stand-up comedians and radio presenters in Yorkshire, and is offering at least 40 lucrative contracts.

It's the first time the BBC has opened its doors to all-comers, even those with no media experience.

Top stars including comics Steve Coogan and Harry Enfield, host Angus Deayton and writer/performer Ben Elton are backing the initiative.

The choice of Bradford as launchpad coincides with the siting here of BBC Fut-ureWorld, a multimedia, mini theme park within the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

Auditions will be held at the museum in the presence of producers and directors. A special hotline has been set up to accept bookings.

A BBC spokesman said: "FutureWorld has been an enormous success in Bradford and we are delighted to be launching this year-long search in the city."

Top of the Pops presenter Jamie Theakston, who will appear in TV trailers promoting the talent trawl, said: "We all need someone to take a risk and offer that first break. The BBC did it for me and they can do it for you, too."

Alan Yentob, Director of BBC Television, said: "The BBC is uniquely placed to offer a breadth of opportunity for new talent.

"Today's launch represents a huge commitment from us to make sure the next generation of talent works with the BBC."

Mr Yentob said the corporation would offer six one-year contracts for trainee Radio One presenters, and there would be openings for TV hosts in news, sport and children's television.

But the star prize is expected to be the chance to join Peter Snow and Philippa Forester on the presenting team of BBC1's flagship science programme, Tomorrow's World.

The phone lines for would-be presenters opened this morning on 08705 100791. The Bradford auditions will be held between March 22 and April 2, and callers will be asked when they want to attend.

Greg Dyke, the corporation's new Director General, said: "Without the best talent in the business, the BBC will not flourish. We have to make this place a magnet for talent."

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