TWO operatic tenors are hoping for a full house when they return to their roots in a North-East pit village.

John Upperton and his student, John Foley, will play a concert tonight, in Murton, County Durham, where they were born and bred.

The show, at the newly-opened Glebe Centre, will raise money for a safe play area in the village, and is being held in memory of four-year-old Aleisha Ord, who was killed when she was hit by a bus in May.

The two singers, who live in London, will perform operatic arias and lighter pieces during the first half of the concert.

In the second half, Broadway singer Connie Kunkle will sing hits from musicals such as Les Miserables, Oklahoma, and Phantom of Broadway, with the pair joining her on some songs.

Mr Upperton said: "We have already sold 175 tickets, but we could do with selling more. The capacity is 300, and the more the merrier.

"We want to raise as much money as we can. It is a very good cause.''

The evening, which starts at 7pm, also features a jazz band and a buffet.

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked by calling 0191-520 8650, or (07711) 904457.