TWO East Durham tenors are returning home to give a concert in memory of a three-year-old girl who was killed earlier this year.

John Upperton and John Foley, who are both from Murton, but now live in London, will perform in the village's Glebe Centre, on Saturday.

The concert will be a tribute to Aleisha Ord, who died in May when she was struck by a bus - the day before her fourth birthday.

The proceeds will be used to buy equipment for Aleisha's favourite play area at the village nursery school.

Mr Upperton said: "Aleisha's parents are very good friends with John Foley and that's how the concert came about.

"The circumstances are tragic, but if we can raise money for the play equipment some good will have come out of it."

Mr Upperton, who runs his own opera company and has performed at venues across the UK, including The Royal Opera House, last sang in Murton six years ago.

Mr Foley recently moved to London where he is studying with Mr Upperton and is about to begin a music course.

The tenors will be joined for the concert by acclaimed Broadway singer Connie Kunkle and pianist David Roblou.

Mr Upperton said: "Connie is John's girlfriend and had met Aleisha when she was over here at Christmas.

"When she heard about it she said yes at once and has raised money through sponsorship and donations for the airfare from America."

The first half of the concert will include operatic pieces and a selection of popular Neapolitan songs. The second half will be mainly Broadway hits and the evening will end with jazz and blues.

The concert will start at 7pm, and will include a buffet dinner.

Tickets cost £15 and are available from Colin Longstaff on (07711) 904457 or the Glebe Centre on 0191- 520 8650.