DURHAM Mayor Councillor Ray Gibbon is hoping for a big turnout for a charity concert tonight in aid of his appeal.

The acclaimed Durham Light Opera Group and The Ormston Singers, featuring award-winning soloists, will play at Durham's Gala Theatre from 7.30pm.

The programme will range from Gilbert and Sullivan to songs from modern musicals.

Councillor Gibbon, from Witton Gilbert, is raising money during his year in office for the Durham Volunteer Bureau, in Millennium Place, which matches people with groups needing their help.

"Up to now, it's going very well and we have got about £14,000. We don't have a target. At the end of the day, what we get for anyone is more than they had before,'' he said.

"It should be a good night. The Durham Light Opera Group are well-known and are fantastic performers. As an amateur group they are extremely professional and The Ormston Singers are known nationally.

"If it goes well, we would hope to make it an annual event, not just for the Mayor's Appeal.''

The Ormston Singers soloists will include Kath Ireland, winner of several festivals, Dawn Furness, who won a Channel 4 opera competition, and the young tenor John Rowland.

Tickets for the concert are still available and cost £5 from the theatre's box office on 0191-332 4041