CHART-TOPPING boy band A1 are to perform in the region for charity later this month.

Their army of teenage girl fans who already have tickets, have the opportunity to see the boys in concert while at the same time raising cash for The Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, which helps families of children who have a life-threatening illness.

The fifth Rainbow Ball, this year held at The Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel, in Newcastle, on Saturday, as been sold out for months.

Other attractions include a celebrity auction in which prizes include a starring role in Viz Comic and a Nissan car. Band members of A1 have been strong supporters of the charity since last summer.

Band member Mark, said: "We are all looking forward to playing at the ball. We were humbled by the fabulous children we met when we visited the charity's centres for sick children. We were really impressed with the special work staff do with the families."

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity cares for children with a life threatening or terminal illness and their families both at home and at their specialist respite centre, Rainbow Fernstone, just outside Hexham, and Rainbow House in Surrey. The trust can be contacted on 0191-386 4400.