ONE of the biggest stars of children's literature and television is to star at the Guild Hall.

And the Citizen has teamed up with Oxford Playhouse to offer two family tickets to see Spot's Birthday Party -- the perfect introduction for young children to the delights of live theatre.

The lovable puppy is set to become a star of the stage after 20 years of entertaining young children in Eric Hill's books, which have been translated into 65 languages worldwide.

Spot's birthday party has been adapted and directed by the UK's premier children's playwright, David Wood, and will appear at the Guild Hall from May 3 to 7.

The show, packed with laughter, mischief, music and magic, is suitable for two to six-year-olds.

And visitors to Spot's party include Steve the Monkey, Helen the Hippo, Tom the Crocodile and Sally and Sam -- Spot's mum and dad, with a special guest, Marco the Rabbit magician.

With plenty of audience participation for the youngsters, Spot's Birthday Party promises to keep even the smallest child entertained.

To win a family ticket -- valid for one adult and three children or two adults and two children -- simply answer the following question:

How many languages have the Spot books been translated into?

Write your answer on the back of a sealed envelope or post card, along with your name and address, and send them to: Spot Competition, Citizen Newspapers, 3 Winckley Court, Winckley Square, Preston.

The draw will be made on Friday, April 14. Normal Citizen rules apply.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.