Two Isle of Man children who received bereavement support after losing three grandparents within weeks of each other are preparing to perform as part of this year's BBC Children in Need Choir.

Ella, 13, and her brother Charlie, 11, will join 14 other children and young people from across the BBC's 15 nations and regions for a special live performance during the BBC Children in Need Appeal show on Friday, November 13.

The siblings were supported by Cruse Bereavement Support, a charity funded by BBC Children in Need, after their family experienced three bereavements within a matter of weeks in 2021.

Through the charity's project, both children attended counselling sessions and activity days designed to help them understand and cope with grief.

The support helped them process their emotions, build confidence and meet other young people who had experienced bereavement, and they continue to attend the project, which remains an important source of support for the family.

Now, the pair are preparing to take part in a national television performance, led by vocal coach and music arranger Mark De-Lisser.

The choir will perform a medley including 'Stargazing' by Myles Smith and 'You've Got the Love', originally recorded by The Source featuring Candi Staton.

Ella, who enjoys musical theatre, singing and dance, said: ‘I love singing and performing, so being part of the BBC Children in Need Choir is a really special opportunity. I'm excited to perform on such a big stage and share something I love with people watching across the UK.’

Charlie, who has developed an interest in cars and bikes inspired by his grandad, said: ‘I'm really excited to be part of the BBC Children in Need Choir. It's going to be amazing performing in front of so many people and being part of a show that helps children and young people like me.’

The 16-member choir brings together children and young people who have been supported by BBC Children in Need-funded projects in their local areas.

They will be joined on stage by young people from the Hallé Youth Training Choir in Manchester. The performance will feature accompaniment from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by David Arnold, with the choral arrangement and backing track produced by De-Lisser and Steve Sidwell.

De-Lisser has been involved in the BBC Children in Need choir performance since 2019.

He said: ‘Every year, this choir reminds me just how extraordinary young people are. Bringing together children and young people from projects supported by BBC Children in Need creates something far greater than a performance.

‘Throughout rehearsals, I've watched confidence grow, friendships form and individual voices come together to create something truly special.’

The Appeal show will be broadcast live from MediaCityUK in Salford, with Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West presenting three hours of entertainment and stories highlighting the impact of the charity's work with children and young people across the UK.

The programme will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm on Friday, November 13.

More information about the appeal and how to donate is available at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.