DO you think you could help head up the plans for next year's Stockton Heath Festival?

If so then organisers want to hear from you as they look for a new festival director to help out with next year's event.

The current director Deborah Cook is stepping down from the leadership role after working her way up from a volunteer.

She said: "I came along as a volunteer in 2010 just to help on the weekend of the festival and got more and more involved until taking up the Directing role for 2014. Volunteering is tremendously rewarding, particularly when you have the opportunity to put on an Arts Festival like this for people in your community.

"You never know, maybe we give someone that break they need to become a star of the future."

Ian Simpson, festival chairman gave praise to Deborah. He said: "She has done tremendous job over the years and been a fantastic lead for the committee in 2014.The directors role could be for someone who knows the community well, or perhaps someone new to the area who wants to get involved.

"It might suit someone who has experience of leading events, but equally it might suit someone who wants to develop some new skills. Time to offer and enthusiasm are most important and if you have creative skills too - even better."

The annual event set over four days in July celebrates arts and culture which sees a wide variety of entertainment with bands, theatre groups, children's sessions to competition for residents.

Whoever picks up the post will be supported by a group of experienced trustees and a small team of volunteers working as an organising committee.

Other volunteer roles are available so if you fancy turning your hand to fundraising, programme development, organising competitions, commissioning cultural events, marketing or looking after the books you are urged to get in contact.

There is the chance to informally meet the festival trustees and committee members at the Saracens Head pub on Wilderspool Causeway on Monday, September 8 at 7.30pm.

To find out more about the festival visit stocktonheathfestival.co.uk or e-mail Ian at shftrust@stocktonheathfestival.co.uk or speak to him on 07887 822840.