CHILDREN can now go free to a charity fundraising concert.

The show is being organised by Huddersfield grandfather Terry Lodge and the aim is it will top off a fund to buy a cancer scanner for Sheffield Children's Hospital.

The scanner will cost £240,000 and the hospital is now only £27,000 short of its target.

The show will feature singer and impressionist Joe Longthorne, singer Lorraine Crosby - who had a No 1 hit called I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), singing alongside American star Meat Loaf - and comedian Roy Walker.

All three have agreed to take part in the show for free. It will be at Sheffield City Hall on Saturday, March 20.

The Sheffield hospital treats children from all over Yorkshire, including Huddersfield.

Terry, 57 - whose eight-year-old grand-daughter, Leah Parr, has continuing treatment at the hospital - said a mystery sponsor has stepped forward to pay for every child aged six to 16 attending the show with a paying adult.

He said: "This is a magnificent gesture, which shows how far people's generosity can go to make sure we meet the target.

"We want to make sure Sheffield City Hall is full on the night."

Terry, a retired film director and producer, also revealed that Joe Longthorne has battled for years against the blood cancer condition lymphoma.

He is receiving treatment at a Blackpool hospital to clean his blood and make sure he is fully fit for the charity concert and a nationwide tour immediately afterwards.

Joe said: "I've been lucky enough to be given a second chance, unlike my friends Roy Castle and Marti Caine, who fought courageously but ultimately in vain against cancer.

"We will make sure the Sheffield concert is a brilliant night's entertainment."

Terry has already organised free coach travel to Sheffield and back for Huddersfield people.

The coach will leave St George's Square at 3.45pm on March 20.

The show starts at 7pm and tickets, which cost £13 to £17, are available from the Sheffield City Hall box office on 01142 789 789.

If Huddersfield people want to be on the coach they need to mention that to the box office when they book. A travel pass will be sent to them, along with the tickets.

They will also need to claim the free child ticket when booking.