Choir hits top note for young Amelia

Barrowford-based Arden Youth Choir is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, after their musical director's goddaughter, Amelia Norcross, four, of Earby, was diagnosed with leukaemia.

The choir has produced a CD called The Rose' which went on sale last week and features covers of popular songs The Rose' originally by Bette Midler and Fields of Gold' by Sting.

And the choir will be performing at Macmillan's first ever Christmas Carol Concert in Blackburn Cathedral on Wednesday December 12, where Coronation Street Star Sam Aston, who plays Chesney, will be a special guest.

Susan Eames, 28, of Carr Hall Drive, Barrowford, the choir's musical director, said:"I have supported Macmillan Cancer Support previously, and after my goddaughter Amelia was diagnosed with cancer we decided to produce a CD to raise money for the charity.

"Amelia is currently in Pendlebury children's hospital in Manchester having chemotherapy, she has been so brave and we are hoping she will be well enough to come to the concert.

"We have all worked very hard to produce this CD; it is a real showcase for local talent and we are delighted with the results."

"We were then approached by Macmillan to take part in their Christmas Carol Concert; we jumped at the chance. A guiding principle of the choir is to maintain the strong choral heritage of Lancashire and so it is going to be a pleasure to perform in Blackburn Cathedral in aid of such a worthy cause."

Sam Aston, from Bacup, will be giving a reading at the concert.

Other performers at the concert include the Blackburn Salvation Army Band and Sylvan Sound ladies' choir.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 each, £7 for concessions, and will be sold on the door or can be booked through Macmillan on 01925 846756.

Free refreshments of wine and mince pies will be available, as well as a chance to enter a raffle.

The CD will be available on the night or can be ordered at the website below.