A STAR-studded carols concert is to be held in Durham Cathedral to raise money for charity.

The Carols of Light concert will feature performances by Sir Thomas Allen, Joe McElderry, Barbara Dickson, Rick Wakeman, The Futureheads and Alan Price, along with Durham Cathedral’s choristers and young singers and Monkwearmouth Salvation Army Band.

There will be readings by Niall Quinn, Steve Cram, Sir Tim Rice, Kate Adie, David Miliband and Justin Welby - the new Bishop of Durham.

The event will raise money for Durham Cathedral’s music endowment fund and the SAFC Foundation.

Organiser Carolyn Ramsbotham said: "Carols of Light will be the perfect way for people to kick off the festive season.

"Guests will be wowed by performances and readings from people who truly represent the talent and passion of the North-East, in one of the country’s most outstanding settings."

Tickets are on sale now, priced £15. To book, call 0191-5515004. To sponsor the event, call 0191-3744052.