A CHARITY concert is being planned at Winchester Cathedral with HRH The Countess of Wessex as guest of honour.

She will give one of the readings at the event on Thursday, December 1, which is being held on behalf of ChildLine.

The charity’s founder and president, Esther Rantzen, is also due to attend.

The event, dubbed Carols by Candlelight, will aim to celebrate children and music.

No fewer than 80 youngsters from primary schools across Winchester will be taking part.

They will perform alongside 40 children from The Pilgrims’ School choir and the same number from the Kings’ School choir, along with the Winchester Cathedral Choristers.

The groups are being co-ordinated by head teacher of Compton All Saints’ CE Primary School Allison Driver, backed by Hampshire Music Service.

Before the concert there will be a reception for 130 VIP guests, and tickets are available.

Organiser Julia Mitchell said: “The event promises to be a wonderful evening of family entertainment celebrating the Christmas season.

“I am sure tickets will be very sought after and I know the event will raise thousands of pounds for the vital service ChildLine provides for children in distress or danger.”

Mandy Finch, NSPCC community fund-raising manager for Hampshire, said: “We are delighted to have The Countess of Wessex attending the concert. It is going to be a truly amazing event with the funds raised supporting ChildLine.

“We are also very grateful to Winchester Cathedral and Penyards Country Properties for their generosity and support of the event.”

General admission concert tickets are available from the cathedral box office at www.tickets.winchester-cathedral.org.uk or by calling 01962 857285.

For VIP tickets, contact Mandy Finch at mandyfinch@nspcc.org.uk or on 01293 651840.