SIX young cellists from the North-East have been chosen to accompany Julian Lloyd Webber in a concert tomorrow night.

They will perform at the Music from the West End and Broadway concert at the Tees Barrage, Stockton.

Fifteen hopefuls auditioned, and the successful six will accompany Mr Lloyd Webber in a performance of I Don't Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar.

The cellists are Richard Merriam and Hayley Mitchell, from Sowerby; Victoria Brown, from Great Ayton; Rebecca Brown, from Redcar; Alexander Warham, from Linthorpe and Ryan Madhok, who was born in Stockton but now lives in Manchester.

Reserve cellists are Harriet Bradshaw, from Darlington, and Laura Weedy, from Teesville.

Richard Merriam, 18, who plays grade six cello, was told about the auditions by his cello teacher, Mrs Robinson, at Yarm School. He said: "We each had to audition individually and then all together. There are six different parts to the piece and I was chosen to play part three.

"I've been playing the cello for ten years. I started playing at Ripon Cathedral Choir School before moving to Yarm School at age 13.

"I used to play with the Tees Valley Youth Orchestra and I've done a couple of gigs, but nothing like this. My girlfriend and mum are coming to watch. I'm looking forward to it, but I am getting a bit nervous."

Richard plans to study industrial design at Loughborough University in September.

British Waterways and Classic FM have organised the concert which starts at 7.30. It will also feature Richmond-based soprano Shona Allen and performers from Durham Gala Theatre, with music from The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Siagon, Madam Butterfly, West Side Story and Cats.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £12 concessions, available on 01642 777778.