NELSON and Colne College's choir will be taking centre stage at a performance of Handel's Messiah to raise money to improve their career prospects.

The concert will be held on Wednesday, March 21 at 7.30pm, at Holy Trinity Church, Colne, with all proceeds going towards the students' annual music tour.

Former students Stella Whitehouse, Judith Briscall and Nick Jefferson have also offered their help by perform in the soprano, alto and bass solos and ex-music student Mark Turner will accompany the choir on the organ.

Dr Alison Birkshaw, head of creative arts, said: "Our music tours are a vital part of the students' education as many hope to become professional performers. This is a chance for them to gain first-hand experience of the rigours of touring.

"This year we are taking the students to Paris, which is a cultural education for them too, but we desperately need more funds for the trip and it is pleasing to see so many ex-students giving up their own time to help us raise the necessary cash."

Tickets are £2 and £3.