UGANDAN orphans who have lost their parents to AIDS will be bringing a message of hope through song and dance at a concert for charity.

The internationally acclaimed Watoto Children's Choir will be hoping to raise funds for AIDS orphans and sufferers in Uganda, when they visit St Mary's Church, High Road, Loughton, on January 27 and 28 at 7.30pm.

The free concert is part of the Concert of Hope UK tour by the children, who have performed before the Queen and at the White House in America.

Cairine Hart, events co-ordinator at St Mary's, said: “It's all about helping the children survive and also about developing them so they can become better leaders for change when they return to Uganda.

"It will be a fantastic show with the kids dressed up in colourful native costumes, bringing their culture and internationally renowned performance."

The children have travelled the world since 1994 as ambassadors to raise awareness of the plight of the estimated 50 million children in Africa who have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease.

Accompanied by a team of adults they present their message of hope through stories of music and dance.

It is hoped money will be raised through donations and CD sales.