STARS from the West End stage are adding their voices to a fundraising drive aimed at realising a teenager's dream.

Former principal performers of the hit musical Les Miserables are to sing a selection of songs from that and other shows to help send 19-year-old Ruth Ellen James on a world choral tour.

Ruth mentioned her ambition to singer Andy Reiss, who was leading a masterclass she was attending.

He and three colleagues behind the musical theatre concert Beyond the Barricade are determined the youngster, from Acklam, Middlesbrough, a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, will join the choir on a concert tour of Australia, the Cook Islands, Mexico and the US during July and August.

To help her on her way, they are bringing their show to Middlesbrough.

And no one could be more surprised than university student Ruth, who said yesterday: "I was really shocked and surprised, because I know they are all very busy and have other commitments.

"I was really surprised that they would be prepared to take the time out."

Ruth will sing two solos and join in the finale of the show, to be held in Middlesbrough Theatre on June 30, the first time the four stars will have visited the town.

The big name professionals singing for her will be David Fawcett, who has played the male lead in the London and Manchester productions of Les Miserables, Andy Reiss, who has taken virtually every male role in the musical, Amanda Leigh Smith and Katie Leeming.

Mr Fawcett said: "If people ask us for help and we think it is a good cause, we do it.

"Young people do not get many opportunities to go on world tours singing, and we would like to help out if we can."

Ruth's mother, Judith, said: "I think what they are doing is absolutely wonderful. It is brilliant they are supporting her. And it is a fantastic opportunity for her to go on stage with professional singers. Ruth is over the moon about it."

Beyond the Barricade features songs from West End and Broadway musicals, including Chicago, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Blood Brothers, Whistle Down the Wind and Les Miserables.