Youth group part of reggae hurricane relief gig

Medway youth group members are set to dance alongside reggae legends at a fundraising concert for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica.

Young People United said it will open the Giants of Lovers Rock concert at the O2 Indigo Arena in London, which also features stars Maxi Priest, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson.

All proceeds from the gig will go to an aid charity, concert organisers said, after the category five hurricane devastated the Caribbean nation, killing dozens, in October.

Carol Stewart, chair of the youth group's organisers Medway African and Caribbean Association, said many of the people the charity works with have friends or family in Jamaica.

"We wanted to do something to support the efforts to rebuild a country that has given so much to Britain," she said.

"This is an amazing opportunity for our young people to perform and contribute to a great cause."

The youth group has members aged between six and 24. The charity runs dance sessions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and classes aimed at developing a "competition-ready dance crew".

Young People United members will also volunteer at the event on 18 December and some will conduct backstage interviews with performers, the group says.

Proceeds will be donated to the US non-profit organisation Food For The Poor, according to the gig's website.

Concert organiser Orlando Gittens said: "We wanted to do something to raise much-needed funds to support the rebuild of Jamaica.

"Every artist performing is giving their time for free because this cause matters."

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