ONE of a junior school's former pupils has supported its efforts to raise money for a trip to Finland.

Zoe Birkett was the star of a concert at Firth Moor Primary School, in Darlington, to raise money to pay for 22 pupils to visit Finland as part of a European education initiative.

Zoe, 15, is now a student at Carmel Technology College, Darlington.

She has studied and performed with the National Youth Music Theatre in London, and sang at the christening party for Prime Minister Tony Blair's son. She has performed for Prince Edward.

Now with her own management team, Zoe has signed a recording contract and has her foot on the first rung of the ladder to stardom.

She was assisted at the concert by two fellow pupils from Carmel College, Danny MacMasters and Sophie Roberston.

The show also featured singing and dancing by children from Firth Moor.

The show and raffle raises more than £300.

Teacher Tim Dobson said: "We are very proud of our supportive parents at Firth Moor. Once again, they have supported us in force. But I am really proud of the children who sang and danced in the concert. They were brilliant and it was good for them to see how far one can take talent after they leave primary school."

He said the fundraising was going well and the school was on target to reach the £7,000 needed for the trip in June.

Mr Dobson said: "We are still looking for a major sponsor to help us make the trip affordable for the children."

Anyone wishing to help the fundraising effort can telephone Mr Dobson at the school, on (01325) 244001