RISING STAR Ashlea Pearson will be pushing her vocal skills to the limit when she appears in concert later this month.

The talented 13-year-old has arranged a charity concert for Children in Need and will be singing for two hours when she appears at the Royal British Legion club in Birtley on November 21.

Her repertoire ranges from popular to jazz and includes numbers from Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Cher.

Ashlea, who attends Lord Lawson School of Beamish, has been singing since the age of eight and taking lessons for the last two years. She also has her own voice coach.

Ashlea said: "I love singing and would like to make it a career.

"I have been rehearsing for two months for this concert and am really excited about it."

The event is nearly sold out. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for school-age children.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the performance from 8pm to 11pm followed by a disco.

Call 0191-410 3976 for tickets.

Published: 11/11/2003