AN annual appeal to help impoverished children enjoy Christmas is about to be launched in the region.

Operation Christmas Child will swing into action on Teesside when its roadshow visits Redcar on Tuesday, October 17.

Organised by the Samaritans' Purse group, the project is the biggest of its kind in the world. It is hoped that the appeal will be even more successful than those of previous years.

The international Christian artist, Nia, honorary vice president of the operation, is undertaking her fourth consecutive roadshow with a 37-date tour presenting a multi-media concert.

The Operation Christmas Child roadshow is at St Hilda's Church, in Mersey Road, Redcar, from 7.30pm.