HUNDREDS of children from schools around York are gearing up for the performance of a lifetime.

Youngsters from Forest of Galtres Primary School, Alne Primary School, Linton-on-Ouse Primary School, Sheriff Hutton Primary School, Huby CE Primary School, and Sutton-on-the-Forest Primary School will take to the stage at the Sheffield Arena on Wednesday and Thursday.

The performances will see schoolchildren singing alongside big name celebrities, including headline act Lee Ryan, of boy band Blue.

The concert is organised by Young Voices which introduces school children, aged six to 16, to a wide range of musical disciplines, as well as the chance to perform with famous acts.

Young Voices' marketing director Ben Lewis said: "We have found that encouraging children to take part in such large scale concerts is a great way to interest them in a very broad range of music, from pop to opera.

"It is really important that children have the chance to get involved with music and performing with celebrity acts is a fitting reward for all the hard work they put in during the run-up.

"We have had so much demand for events in the past that we have added an extra date at four venues in order to open the opportunity up to even more children, so this year's concerts are set to have a great atmosphere."

As well as benefiting school pupils, the concerts also help to raise money for children's charities CLIC Sargent and Great Ormond Street.

Huby Primary School head teacher, Rachel Hindle, leads the school choir with fellow teacher, Julie Raffell, and the pair will be going with the children to Sheffield.

Miss Hindle said: "The children have been excited for a long time about it and they are excited about having the opportunity to take part in such a high profile concert."

The concerts will be conducted by internationally acclaimed David Lawrence who is assistant conductor for the Birmingham Symphony Chorus and has conducted first performances for a host of composers.

They will be given an extra boost this year with the announcement that Lee Ryan will also be donating the profits from his forthcoming Christmas single Reinforce Love.

Mr Lewis said: "Performing alongside celebrities as well as knowing they are supporting charities will give children a real sense of achievement so Lee's decision is great news."

Tickets are selling fast and, although limited, there is still some availability for the Sheffield, Manchester and Birmingham concerts. Tickets can be purchased through the Sheffield arena box office, or by visiting www.sheffieldarena.co.uk