A young girl suffering from a rare, genetic condition is to celebrate Christmas and help youngsters like herself at the same time.

Hayley Okines suffers from Progeria, characterised by the appearance of accelerated aging in children.

There are only 44 children in the world with the condition and just four are in the UK.

As yet there is no cure for the illness which leaves its victims with an average lifespan of about 13 years.

Hayley has been working tirelessly to ensure money is raised to support the work of the Progeria Research Foundation.

To help boost funds, last summer Hayley recorded Voices of Tomorrow with Kids Choir 2000 and will be back to perform the song at the choir's Christmas Reunion concert.

The song was written and produced for the eight-year-old by songwriters Mark Street and Jane Winiberg, who comes from Leigh.

Hayley recorded the song backed by the 100-strong Southend choir and its very own rock band.

She will be performing the fundraising hit at Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh on Saturday.

The children's choir will also take this opportunity to perform some festive musical treats.

The show will include hits such as Merry Christmas Everybody, Winter Wonderland and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.

Former members of the choir are also being invited to perform at the concert.

There will be free admission to all singers, past and present, and there's no need to learn the songs as the words will be projected on a screen.

Anyone wanting to get in some practice can listen to the tunes being performed on the choir's website at www.kc2.co.uk For more information about booking a place on stage to appear with the choir telephone 01268 774251.

The sale of the single, Voices of Tomorrow, continues to raise money for the Progeria Research Foundation.

Awareness has also been raised after a documentary about Hayley and her family, from London, was aired on Channel Five last year. The channel is now doing a follow-up episode and will be filming at the concert.

Tickets cost £8.

Christmas Reunion Concert

Sweyne Park School

Sir Walter Raleigh Drive

Rayleigh

Saturday, December 16, 7.30pm

Tel: 01268 774251