THERE is a chance to see some of our best 'home-grown' talent in action in the next few weeks with the closing stages of the St Helens Star/Theatre Royal Senior Stars of Tomorrow 2000 competition.

The first semi-final takes place at the theatre in Corporation Street today (Thursday, August 31) with curtain up at 2pm. And the second semi-final will be staged on Thursday, September 7, also starting at 2pm.

And make a date in your diary for the Grand Final, judged by former Coronation Street actress, Julie Goodyear (of Bet Lynch fame) which will be held on Thursday, October 12. Tickets for this fabulous event, starting at 2pm, are available now from the Theatre Royal (telephone 01744 756000).

FIREFIGHTERS from St Helens will be taking the plunge for a worthy cause on Friday, September 1 when they stage a 'Dunk the Fireman' day in Church Square from 10am to 5pm. Children's fire helmets and water blasters will also be available and all proceeds will go to the National Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

THE Theatre Royal has a treat in store for youngsters when it plays host to the delightful 'Tales from The Jungle Book' on Saturday, September 2 at 2 and 4.30pm and Sunday, September 3 at 2pm. MEANWHILE, a little later on September 3, you can enjoy An Evening with Harry Sandon who has spent 21 years on television's 'The Antiques Roadshow' and has plenty to entertain you starting at 7.30pm.

THE Friends 'n' Families Band is back in action after a summer break with rehearsals starting at Eccleston Mere Primary School, Saleswood Avenue from 7pm on Monday, September 11. If you would like further information, ring 01744 753745.

GUITARIST Vernon Hyde and reedsmen Terry Porter and Howard Murray will be guests at The Jazz Rendezvous at the Star Inn, Rainford on Sunday, August 27.

THE Poozies bring their own brand of folk music to The Citadel, on Friday, September 1 when they will be on stage from 8.30pm.

SIDAC Social Club, off Wheatsheaf Avenue, Sutton Leach, is staging a Charity Line Dancing Evening in aid of Multiple Sclerosis on Saturday, September 9, starting at 7.30pm. This features Pete's Stompers and tickets are £3 or you can pay on the door.

THE St Helens Art Club are holding their annual exhibition at The Rainford Gallery, St Helens Central Library from Monday, September 10 to Friday, September 29. They are also continuing with their programme of outdoor painting sessions with a visit to Fiddlers Ferry on Saturday afternoon, September 2. PLANS are well in hand for the 20th Rainford Show to be held at the Rainford Village Hall on Saturday, September 2 from 1.30 to 4.30pm. The Horticultural Section has many classes for flowers, fruits and vegetables with medals to be won from National Vegetable, National Rose, National Dahlia and National Chrysanthemum societies, together with special sections for Rainford residents and Rainford Horticultural Society members. There are also photography, domestic and floral art sections and show schedules can be obtained from Rainford Library or by ringing 01744 884813.

A SPECIAL touring exhibition featuring poems from St Helens Council's Community Services Poetry competition, illustrated by pupils of Queens Park School is currently touring the town's libraries. It will be at Eccleston Library, Broadway until Friday, September 1; and at Chester Lane Library, Chester Lane Centre from Monday, September 4 until Friday, September 22.