A CHARITY performance of Barry Manilow's musical Copacabana will be held to raise money for one of the region's hospices.

Tickets have gone on sale for Darlington Operatic Society's production at Darlington Civic Theatre on Thursday, May 1.

A donation will be made to St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, for every ticket sold and Barclays Bank has agreed to match any amount raised.

Dress circle tickets, which include an after-show buffet, will be on sale for £20 and other tickets will be £12.

Jane Bradshaw, the hospice's director said: "We would like to thank Darlington Operatic Society and Barclays Bank for their continued support of the hospice.

"This is one of the most exciting productions the society has ever undertaken and I know that it will be a fabulous night out."

The money raised will go towards the hospice's Giving for Life appeal, which is backed by The Northern Echo.

The appeal aims to raise £250,000 to open a six-bed full-time care unit at St Teresa's at Easter.

The unit will provide care for terminally ill patients from Darlington and the surrounding area, who cannot be looked after at home and do not want to go into hospital.

Once the centre is open, £250,000 a year will have to be raised to keep it running.

For tickets for the show, call (01325) 254319.

To help the appeal, call (01325) 254321.