SONGS from some of the world's most famous musicals are set to help raise vital funds towards the restoration of a Worcester church.

St Stephen's in Barbourne has suffered from a catalogue of set backs in recent years. Four years ago, giant nets went up to catch crumbling ceiling plaster work. And a major part of the church's spire and tower had to be restored, costing a total of £130,000 in repairs.

After repairing part of the tower and putting a false roof in place, the 200 parishioners at the Droitwich Road church thought they had solved most of the problems.

But after a recent inspection, the plaster on the walls of the 19th Century listed building was found to be loose -- sending the cost of any future repairs spiralling to another £500,000.

Now, Worcestershire-based singing group Colla Voce is performing a sell-out show at adjacent Bishop Allenby Hall to help with the costs, fresh from their recent success at the Variety Show at the Theatre Royal earlier this year.

"They will be performing top tracks from The King and I, West Side Story, Cats and Phantom of the Opera to name just a few," said Gordon Gething, member of the PCC.

"The building is safe to enter and we're hoping to have services in there by Christmas. But these latest repairs are another real setback."

Colla Voce has recently performed at the Mayors Charity Concert at the Swan Theatre and the opening of the new fountains by the River Severn.

The concert begins at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 8. Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Graham Gething on 01905 774455.