A CHARITY concert is to showcase some of the best talent from the world of classical music.

The Tschaikovsky Gala Concert, featuring acclaimed pianist Nikolai Demidenko, will be staged at Newcastle City Hall on Wednesday, December 4, with proceeds going to the Krister Ottosson North-East Appeal for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Conductor Andrew Constantine will lead the Bardi Orchestra in works including the 1812 Overture.

Association spokesman Karen Farmer said: "We are delighted to be working with Andrew and the Bardi Orchestra. It will be a great evening and generate further income for this local appeal that was launched last year to honour Krister Ottosson, a well-known and much liked local personality."

The appeal aims to raise £150,000 for those with the disease, which was recently in the news after sufferer Diane Pretty petitioned the courts for a legally-assisted suicide.

Services to benefit include the specialist Care Centre at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Funds will also go to providing equipment, an information help line and employing a regional care advisor.