YOUNG people are raising money to take part in an international music festival for the first time.

Consett YMCA has been attending the Csango Festival in Hungary for years, but this August is the first time it will have taken part.

Children from the charity’s Act On Theatre Group will perform a selection of Queen songs and are recording a CD of music to sell to help raise the estimated £4,000 the trip will cost.

Group leader Jenn Rogan, 21, who is now an apprentice youth leader having joined the youth club at 13, said: “Young people like coming because we are providing them with opportunities like this, which they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do.

“They are really excited about it and enthusiastic about fundraising.”

Money raised from the group’s forthcoming shows will also be used to bolster the coffers.

Rockin’ Through The Rain is being performed at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley on February 2, with tickets costing £5 available by calling 01207-502-680.

Les Miserables is being staged at the Empire Theatre in Consett from July 9-13 and tickets for that cost £7, which can be booked by calling 01207-218-171.

Other fundraising ideas include cake-baking, bag-packing, tombolas and holding collections.