MUSIC lovers are promised a Christmas cracker as the region’s best choristers join together for a prestigious annual fundraiser.

St Teresa’s Hospice, which serves the people of Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire, will again benefit from the event at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre on Saturday (December 20) at 7pm.

The Christmas Cracker, now in its 14th year, will feature the Tees Valley Youth Choir and members of musical ensembles, schools, choral and operatic groups performing a seasonal musical programme.

More than 150 singers will be supported by a 40-piece orchestra under the direction of John Forsyth.

Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: "You will not believe the sheer quality of the performance.

“John manages to create a magic which is unsurpassed making the concert a Christmas festivity not to be missed.”

More than 600 people attended last year's event, which raised about £3,000 for the charity.

St Teresa's needs to raise more than £2m a year to continue its work and is also raising funds to build a new ten-bed inpatient unit next year.

Tickets for the Christmas Cracker are £10 for adults and £6 for children, available from the hospice, St Teresa’s charity shops in Skinnergate, Cockerton and Mowden, or by phone on 01325-254321, or by email at events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk

For more information on the hospice visit darlingtonhospice.org.uk