TWENTY five of the region's most talented young actors will be touring theatres across Devon next February in a brand new drama which brings the second world war to life – and budding West Devon actors and actresses could be a part of the cast.

Blackouts, Bobbies and Bombs is a new play which follows the lives of three Devon policemen between the hours of 6am and midnight on one day in 1940.

Based on the true-life experiences of serving police officers, the story follows their attempts to catch some of the region's most infamous wartime criminals, while also dealing with air raids, evacuation and the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The play is being put together by the Devon Arts In Schools Initiative (DAISI), in collaboration with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Heritage Learning Resource, based at Okehampton.

Devon Youth theatre wants to hear from young people aged between 14 and 19 with a passion for theatre to audition for a part in the play, at a series of workshop days being held across Devon in the next few weeks. Workshops are being held at the Exeter Phoenix on October 17, Okehampton College on November 7 and at the Ariel Centre, Totnes on November 14.

DYT artistic director Jon Croose said cast members would have a chance to interview retired police officers and people who remember the war, and to turn their experiences into exciting new drama for the stage.

He said: 'We will be mixing live action with film and digital media and performing at three different professional venues over three nights, including shows at the Exeter Phoenix and Dartington.

'We will be selecting 25 young people to come to two theatre boot-camp weekends in January, and after that there will be an intensive rehearsal phase during February half term with the three-show tour at the end of the week.

'It is going to be hard work, but really good fun, and it is a great chance for teenagers to work alongside theatre professionals.'

Devon Youth Theatre is part-funded by Devon County Council and for the first time this year will form a partnership with the Devon and Cornwall Police Heritage Learning Resource (HLR).

HLR Officer Mikhal Brandstatter said the £10k Big Lottery / Museums Libraries and Archives element of the project was part of a national programme called Veterans Reunited, which brought young and old together to mark the 60th anniversary of WW2.

She has put together an expert team of young film-makers who are interviewing retired police officers and others to get stories for the show.

Their film will be also given a gala premiere next year.

'The intention of the project is to break down stereotypes and barriers between teenagers, older people and the police.

'The retired police officers we are interviewing have some amazing stories to tell and this is a great opportunity for young people to get involved in an exciting piece of creative work which will preserve and honour people's memories,' she said.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Devon Youth Theatre or finding out more about the project should go to http://www.daisi.org.uk">www.daisi.org.uk or contact DAISI on 01392 385214 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]