THEY sing, they dance and they get to ride in a flying car.

Young musical stars of the future are getting ready for the theatre spotlight in Southampton as they begin rehearsals for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Looking forward to treading the floorboards of The Mayflower theatre this summer, the young performers shine with the excitement and enthusiasm of being a part of the family fun musical that has been a hit on London's West End.

Hundreds of hopeful youngsters descended on Southampton when open auditions were held in the city for the roles of Jeremy and Jemima earlier this year.

Around 30 budding actors and actresses were selected to fill the roles and with just weeks until the curtain goes up for the opening night, they have been rehearsing the lyrics of Truly Scrumptious and treading the sweet factory floorboards to the strains of Toot Sweets.

As well as learning their own roles, the young stage stars are also getting to grips with performing scenes as part of a large cast of colourful characters.

Catie Entwhistle, children's director for the musical said they were already showing great talent.

"They have been working really hard and there are some very difficult parts to the role of Jeremy and Jemima, but we have some very talented youngsters here and they are really enjoying it."