CHESHIRE schools are invited to take part in a choir competition for the chance to perform in front of 1,000 people including celebrity guests.

Matthew Kelly hosts a spectacular evening as stars get Christmas off to a cracking start. Tickets are on sale now.

More than a dozen top names from TV, stage and screen will be performing at the 13th Spirit of Christmas Carol concert in Chester Cathedral.

In the past the event has been graced by the likes of Alan Rickman, Imelda Staunton, Simon Williams, Greg Wise, Gemma Redgrave and Jim Broadbent.

The concert raises money for the Neuromuscular Centre in Cheshire which provides vital services and employment for people with muscular dystrophy across the North West and beyond.

Muscular dystrophy is a condition which progressively weakens muscles and for most people this means getting on with life in a wheelchair – the centre receives virtually no government funding and costs £600,000 a year to run.

Last year this event attracted more than 1,000 people and raised almost £30,000.

This year the NMC is running a primary school choir competition across Cheshire in association with Chester’s Dee 106.3 and sponsored by Dawsons Music.

The winning choir will perform at the event in front of the audience and celebrities. Details are available on the website www.nmcentre.com or at www.dee1063.com.

But you’ll have to be quick because the deadline for the competition is on Friday, October 10.

Tickets for Spirit of Christmas are available from £10 up to £50 (includes champagne reception with celebrities). Ring NMC on 01606 861733 or email leanne.marsden@nmcentre.com