A CHRISTMAS CD recorded by young North-East performers is available free to old people's homes in the region.

About 450 children from the Stagecoach theatre arts schools in Darlington and Yarm perform on the recording On A Starry Night.

It features 26 seasonal tunes, including Jingle Bells, Santa Baby and Away in a Manger.

The disc is not for sale but Stagecoach is offering to send free copies to old people's homes.

Principal Trudy Hindmarsh said: "It occurred to me that the sound of children's voices seems to epitomise what Christmas is all about. Many old people in homes will no longer have any contact with children at Christmas under normal circumstances."

To order a copy call (01325) 337667.