A SPECIAL charity concert in aid of Claire House's latest appeal takes place at the Gladstone Theatre later this month.

Created and directed by Linda Hatton, a Bebington-based professional piano teacher, this annual coming together of local musical talent of all ages, collectively known as 'The Beethovens', aims to excite and inspire the audience with its diversity of musical and singing performances.

The group's spokesman, Adam Watts, told the Globe: "This concert is a great way to entertain your whole family with classic rock, rock & roll, chart hits, instrumental solos, jazz, Hollywood themes, and hauntingly-beautiful songs.

He added: "We guarantee that everyone will have a special evening and will go home having enjoyed what has become one of the highlights of the Wirral music scene."

The show, now in its ninth year, takes place on Saturday, November 27, and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Gladstone Theatre Box Office on 643 8757. Every penny raised will go to Claire House's Globe-backed 'Sparkling Star' appeal, which needs to raise £2million for a teenage annex with en-suite bedrooms, family rooms lounges and a kitchen area can be built onto the hospice.

The appeal total has topped the fantastic £1.5m mark - but there is still a way to go before the final target is reached.

The Rockvilla Pub in Tranmere presented fundraiser, Ron Hutchinson with a cheque for £1000 towards the appeal. Managers Karen and Darren said: "We'd like to thank all our customers and everyone who has helped us reach our target for Claire House; including Singers Alan Armstrong, Georgie and Paul Forshaw, Pat Povall, Jimmy Forshaw, Kenny Osbourne and the Football Team."

Chefs from Royal Navy vessel HMS Albion in conjunction with The Mill Hotel, Chester organised a six-course charity dinner aboard the hotel's Queen Mary Crown Cruise on the canal which raised £1,000. The ship adopted both Claire House as one of its charities and hospice fundraiser Margaret Davies joined other VIPs on board for this special night.

Jumping Jacks Nursery in Neston raised £1,000 for the appeal. Also doing her bit is 20-year-old Lisa Osbourne from Bebington, who plans to do a sponsored walk along the Inca Trail in Peru on May 5, next year but needs to raise £3,600 to get do so.

If you can help, ring 200 9064.