AN annual appeal to help impoverished children enjoy Christmas is about to be launched in the region.

Operation Christmas Child will swing into action on Teesside when its roadshow visits Redcar, on October 17.

Organised by the Samaritan's Purse group, the project is the biggest of its kind in the world.

It is hoped that the appeal will be even more successful than those of previous years.

The international Christian artist, Nia, who is also honorary vice president of the operation, is undertaking her fourth consecutive roadshow with a 37-date tour presenting a multi-media concert.

Apart from producing successful albums, appearing regularly on television and touring the world, the Welsh artist has helped to put across the Samaritan's Purse message.

The roadshow will feature music from her albums, including songs from her newly-released Secrets of Life album.

l The Operation Christmas Child roadshow is on at St Hilda's Church, in Mersey Road, Redcar, starting at 7.30pm.