A CHARITY concert with a rousing "Last Night of the Proms" style finale is preparing to celebrate its 21st birthday.

Music For You has been staged at Kidderminster Town Hall every year since 1982 and has raised more than £100,000 for good causes.

And this year's event, which takes place on Friday, October 4 and the following evening, is set to be extra special to celebrate the magical milestone.

Spokesman Richard Woodhead said: "The audience should be prepared to join in singing Happy Birthday both nights straight after the interval!"

Stourport Brass Band, Kidderminster Male Choir, West Midland Light Orchestra and Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra are all lined up to take part this year.

And Jonathan Darby is the soloist for the patriotic finale, featuring the likes of Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia, for which audience participation is always enthusiastic.

The last landmark celebrated by the event was in 2000 when the £100,000 barrier was broken.

A host of Kidderminster carpet companies dug deep to stump up the final £1,200 after the total raised fell short of the mark.

Last year's event raised £6,750.

"It's the 21st year so we are hoping the dedicated followers will come along and support us on this special occasion as well as some new people," Mr Woodhead said.

"People are coming from a little bit further afield these days. Our audiences are always very generous with their donations."

Regular charities Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends, Kemp Hospice and Cancer Research UK will all benefit, while cash will also this year go to the appeal by Acorns Children's Hospice to build a new base in Worcester.

"We try to include one new charity each year," Mr Woodhead explained. The Bramble's Trust was the extra beneficiary in 2001."

Those wishing to attend this year's concerts are urged to book early to avoid missing out.

"Saturday night sells out very rapidly and Friday is full by the time it comes around," Mr Woodhead stressed. "People need to book tickets early for Saturday night."

They are available from the Kemp Hospice Shop in Bewdley, Mr Cleancall's in Stourport and Hunter's in Kidderminster.

Further details are available by calling 01299 404143.