A GROUP of talented youngsters will serenade dinners at a Valentine’s dinner in Darlington to raise funds for their performing arts group.

Members of the Darlington Arts Academy will perform Seasons of Love, a night of dinner and live entertainment at Seasons Restaurant, in Post House Wynd, in Darlington, on Saturday (February 16).

The event is designed to support Darlington Arts Academy, which closed in September and ended its weekly groups due to a lack of funding. However, support from parents and young people ensured the academy did not close completely and organisers are now arranging a series of performing arts workshops throughout the year for local children.

The event at Seasons is open to couples, families and groups and includes a two-course meal while being serenaded by young performers singing in an acoustic style.

Rebecca McGarvie, creative director of Darlington Arts Academy, said: “This is a great opportunity for parents to not have to worry about booking a Valentine’s babysitter and share the celebrations with the whole family.

“The support the academy has received since we were forced to close in September has been overwhelming. Although we have come back in a slightly reduced form, we want to remain a key performing arts resource for Darlington’s young people, which mean relying on the support of the town through donations, fundraising and events like Seasons Of Love.”

Tickets for Seasons Of Love are available for £12 for adults and £6 for children and must be purchased in advance. They can be booked through daaevents.co.uk or call 01325-520446. Tickets are also available from the restaurant.