FORMER students from St Mary’s High School are all set to reunite for a one off charity concert.

The concert is being held in honour of their school friend, Steven Blears, a talented singer and musician who lost his battle with leukaemia just before his 20th birthday in November 2003.

His friends have coordinated a 50 strong choir, all made up of former pupils from the Astley school, to perform at Lowton Civic Hall on Saturday (October 25).

Steven’s father, Graham, said: "When we were approached by three of Steven's friends from the school proposing a fund raising idea based on his interests, we couldn't have been more pleased.

“Family and other friends have been fundraising for more than 10 years and we are so proud that Steven is still in their thoughts today.

“The enthusiasm and commitment of the cast has been incredible. Now years on from St. Mary's many of the cast have young families and have still given up hours of their valuable family time to attend rehearsals.

“My wife Carolyn, Steven's brother Barry – who is also in the cast - and I are so grateful and proud that Steven's memory is being honoured in this way.”

There will also be a raffle and an auction on the night with prizes including Manchester United Memorabilia, a holiday in Cyprus and a champagne afternoon tea.

Katharine Whittaker, one of the event coordinators, says of the event: “The amount of time and energy that the cast and crew have put into organising this event is incredible.

“We have been working hard to get voices back up to scratch, to pull everything together behind the scenes and to make as much money as possible for a worthy cause.

“Steven was truly an inspiring young person, who continues to bring people together through his music.”

The event is sold out but the Song for Steven team are asking for donations for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research which can be made by visiting justgiving.com/songsforsteven/.