TALENTED youngsters from Blackburn and Darwen schools will be taking a touch of 'ooh la la' across the Pennines next month.

Eighty singers and dancers had been due to provide the pre-match entertainment at Blackburn Rovers' home game next weekend against Newcastle, but the game has been been postponed as the Tynesiders are involved in an FA Cup replay.

However, the show goes on and 'Moulin Rouge', a 20-minute all-singing, all-dancing spectacular will now form the curtain-raiser for reigning rugby league Super League champions Bradford Bulls at their game against Salford Reds on Sunday, April 28.

This performance, in front of 16,000 fans at Valley Parade, will act as a dress rehearsal for the youngsters who have been confirmed as the pre-match entertainment for Blackburn Rovers' last home game of the season against Fulham on May 11.

Originally over 250 children aged from 12 to 16 from high schools throughout Blackburn and Darwen auditioned for the Arena of Life project. They were whittled down to a final 80.

Those selected then spent their half-term holiday rehearsing for the show.

The project has been funded through the Government's Excellence in Cities programme. All nine high schools in Blackburn with Darwen are involved. One of the aims is to help develop gifted and talented pupils.

Simon Fox, from Arena Life, said: "These kids have been superb from start to finish and the project has gone very well.

"Now we can give them a chance to show off their talents not just in their home town but also at Bradford Bulls."

Arena of Life regularly organises the pre-match entertainment at Valley Parade.

Simon added: "In the past we have had major names such as Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet and Paul Carrick. There is no way that 'Moulin Rouge' will let that standard down in any way.

"We are delighted that we have been able to re-arrange the Blackburn performance and with it being the final game of the season there will be a great atmosphere at Ewood Park.

"One of the main aims has been to develop the potential of those on the project and to give them confidence in their abilities which they can use in real life.

"I think anyone who sees what these youngsters are capable of will be very surprised by the quality of the show."