TALENTED young Knutsford singers are to perform at a charity musical evening at St John’s Church in the run-up to Christmas.

Works by Purcell, Schubert, Handel and others will be performed at the evening, which takes place on Wednesday, December 16.

Jake Phillips came up with the idea while studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he won a place after finishing his A levels this summer at Knutsford Academy.

He said: “Since moving to London to study I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while, and the run-up to Christmas seems to be the perfect time.

“We’ll have a mixture of well-known pieces and a few which may surprise.”

Also taking part will be two other local students.

Lenny Turner is in his final year at Knutsford Academy, and is set to continue his music studies at Birmingham University.

He said: “There’s so much young musical talent in Knutsford, to put on a performance like this is such a great opportunity, and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Also performing will be soprano Eleanor Woods, who said: “There are some beautiful pieces, and we’ll end the evening with a few carols. I hope there will be something for everyone.”

Jake is bringing two other singers from the Royal Academy to perform.

He said: “These are students who plan to make their careers in music, and I expect the standard to be very high. The audience are in for a treat.“

Earlier in the month Jake will visit his old school, Egerton Primary, to run a musical workshop.

“There is a view classical music is for older people, and I’m keen to show young children that’s not the case,” he said.

“It would be great if as many children can come with their parents on December 16.”

The evening starts at 7.30pm, and will be raising money for CLIC Sargent, which supports children with cancer.

Refreshments will be served, and tickets are £5 (£2 for concessions), available from S Turner at 39 Garden Road, call 01565 331404, or from Alison Padley Woods on 07729 862730.