International performer Ben Okafor, who made his home in Malvern several years ago, is about to play his first gig in the town.

The concert is to raise funds for Home-Start Malvern Hills, a cause that Ben supports avidly.

Home Start offers regular support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under five years.

Trained volunteers visit families in their homes, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. The Malvern Hills scheme has been running for three years.

"Our society forces people into deep isolation at hard times," said Ben. "When families are in difficulty or fall under pressure and children feel the effect, folk often fail to find committed support and a confidential listening ear.

"Home-Start excels at providing these. There is nothing that is needed more than this for our families and community."

The concert is at The Chase on Saturday, April 23, at 7.30pm, and supporting will be Chase A Capella and Centrefold, a band based at the school.

Ben has been working with Year Nine pupils at the school and a piece they wrote together will be performed during the show. Centrefold also have a new song for the occasion, about Home-Start and its work.

Ben is an experienced musician and actor whose style embraces African folk music, reggae, ska and jazz. As a boy, he fought in the Biafran war in Nigeria, and since then he has been a passionate advocate for civil justice.

Tickets are £10 (under-18s £8, family £30). They are available from The Chase on 01684 891961 or Home-Start on 01684 578925. They are also on sale at Just So in Barnards Green.