FIFTY young musical theatre stars from across Oxfordshire are staging a special concert to raise money for wounded bomb disposal experts from Didcot’s Vauxhall Barracks.

The Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO) has decided to donate some of the takings from its annual show to the William & Grace Trust, which supports wounded soldiers of the Royal Logistic Corps and their families.

The charity has been championed by this year’s Mayor of Didcot, John Flood, who said it has not received enough public attention, despite caring for servicemen from the town serving in 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment.

MYCO chairman Tom Cracknell said: “To be honest, I had not heard of the Trust before I spoke to John. That is a real shame, especially when they do much locally.

“As we are performing in Didcot, and the regiment is based here, we are delighted to be raising money for them.”

The youth theatre charity, for singers and actors aged 13 to 18, will also hold a raffle in aid of Helen & Douglas House, for whom they have raised £17,000 in the last decade.

The annual show is usually held in Didcot’s Civic Hall, which is currently being re-developed, so the group has de-camped to St Birinus School in Mereland Road.

Mr Flood said: “It’s wonderful that they are supporting our local troops.

“Most regiments have a small fund like this, and because it helps local people, it is vital to support it.

“It helps families that have lost their breadwinner, or families where the breadwinner is disabled and cannot do as much any more.

“Not everyone realises just how many injured soldiers are now coming back from Afghanistan.”

The show, Songs To Stir the Soul, will feature hits from Les Miserables, Guys And Dolls, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and Rent.

It will be held at St Birinus School, Didcot, at 7:30pm on Friday, October 15. Tickets available from myco.org.uk or on the door, priced £8 and £6 concessions.

The show is also being performed at New Marston URC Church, Marston Road, on Saturday, October 2.