THE family of an inspirational teenager who passed away earlier this year are appealing for singers to help light up a village for Christmas once again.

A special carol concert held in memory of Kieran Maxwell will take place in Heighington, near Darlington, on December 21.

The 18-year-old, who lived in the village, died in June after a near seven battle with cancer.

Last year, residents in the village united by lighting up their houses early and brought the festive season forward for the teenager when it was feared he may not see another Christmas.

Nicola Maxwell, Kieran's mother, is now appealing for additional singers or entertainers to take part in the event.

Speaking about the return of the event last month, she said: "We started planning last year – we wanted to expand it and do even more than we did last time.

The young athlete lost his left leg after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer – in October 2010.

He received widespread acclaim after twice beating the condition in the hope of representing Great Britain in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

But a chest x-ray during a routine check-up last October brought the devastating confirmation that the cancer had returned.

Anyone who can help with singers or wants to donate to the Kieran Maxwell Legacy Fund is asked to visit the charity's Facebook page.

Alternatively, they can contact Nicola on 01325 466746.