A CONCERT to raise money to help children in Sri Lanka who were caught up in the Asian tsunami disaster will be staged at Kidderminster Town Hall.

The Band of the West Mercia Constabulary, the Kidderminster Valentines and the Kidderminster Male Choir will be providing the entertainment on Saturday, January 28.

It will be compered by Mike George, from BBC Hereford and Worcester, and has been organised by Eddie Parry who is chairman of the police band.

The proceeds from the concert, which follows a similar one held last year, will go to Project Sri Lanka which provides education for the children.

Mr Parry said: "In June I went out to Sri Lanka and saw what had happened. I heard all sorts of stories, wonderful stories about people who had survived. We are raising money to help this specific project and fund 29 students between 10 and 15 years of age."

He said the band had already raised £9,070 and hoped that the concert will help them reach their target of £10,000, adding: "I hope it will be a good night. I hope it will be a sell-out. I am sure we will be able to reach our target. People have been very generous and supportive."

The band, which has 26 members and is directed by Steve Pritchard-Jones, will perform a range of music including To All the Girls I Have Loved Before and the Post Horn Gallop.

The Kidderminster Valentines, directed by Pam Cunningham and accompanied by Morfudd Sinclair, will perform Karl Jenkin's Adiemus, The Rose, The Carnival is Over and their patron Tim Rice's I Don't Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar.

They will also sing I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing.

Mrs Cunningham said: "The important thing is that we don't think 'it happened last year and that's the end of it' because there will be people suffering for many years because of it. We need to continue helping them. It is a privilege to be involved and the Kidderminster people are very supportive. We hope it will continue in the future."

Organisers are also appealing for raffle prizes and anyone who would like donate an item can contact David Parker on 01299 250297.

Tickets for the concert which starts at 7.30pm are available from Kidderminster Town Hall, Hunters Tobacconists, Pete's Prints, Bridge Street, Stourport and Mr Barry on 01562 754397.