STUDENTS from a performing arts school in Utah will be playing one of their first dates of a European tour at Worcester Cathedral.

The pupils of the Clayton Institute of Performing Arts will be staging their show at the Cathedral before leaving for the likes of Versailles, Marseilles and Geneva.

The group, known as Synergy, is made up of 18-year-old performers from the Salt Lake City school.

"They do a whole variety of things, from razzmatazz of songs from the Broadway musicals to pop music by Michael Jackson," said Suzy Amos, from Wolverhampton, who left her job in Mexico to organise the tour.

"But for a performance in the Cathedral, we will be doing something a little more respectful."

All the music has been arranged by the school's founder,

Dr Kim Clayton, and the money raised from the tour will go towards buying equipment for Penn Special School in Wolverhampton.

"Some of the children are desperately ill and they really need the bathroom facilities," said Miss Amos.

The performance will be on Saturday, July 27 - the day after the pupils arrive in this country. Entrance is free from 10.30am.

"There is no charge for anything, but if anybody wants to give a donation, it will go towards the children with special needs," said Miss Amos.