Graeme Danby, originally from Consett, will be making his debut appearance, joining Proms regular Janice Cairns who hails from Ashington.

The combination of their bass and soprano performances will be a highlight in an evening with other special moments amongst the annual Proms treats at Newcastle City Hall.

Also appearing will be Suzanne Manuell, Blake Fischer, violinist Bradley Creswick, and the English Philarmonic Orchestra, conducted by David Haslam.

The event, on October 18, is the nineteenth for the North East Proms Against Cancer charity, which has raised more than a million pounds for cancer research at the RVI and patient care in our region.

Graeme had no hesitation in accepting the invitation to join the annual fundraiser: "NEPAC of course plays a vital role in raising money and awareness of many cancer related illnesses."

Soprano Janice said: "It'll be wonderful to perform with Graeme once more.

"He's a northern lad – he's never forgotten where his roots are, just like me. The Proms are such a fun fun night. Every time, you think it can't get any better – but it does!"

Janice was praised for her recent "stunning performance of great poise" as Duenna in Der Rosenkavalier at the Coliseum, which another critic described as "an immaculate cameo". Her appearance in the Proms will be squeezed between two important events for her own charity Opera Africa: a fund-raising concert and then a trip to support yearly eye operations.