YOUNGSTERS performing with Bolton music Service ensembles have a hectic schedule ahead of them.

The town's musical youth is getting in the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas.

The programme begins on Monday, December 3, with the Mayor's Charity Concert at the Albert Halls at 7.30pm.

The event features Bolton Youth Concert Band directed by Maxine Kay, Bolton Junior Youth Choir with director Susan Wilding, Bolton Girls Choir with director Jacqueline Tinniswood, and the newly-formed BMS Singers with director Jane Hampson. This will be a family celebration of festive sounds and song. Tickets are from the Albert Halls information office on 334400. Further information from Bolton Music Centre 333533.

Proceeds go to the Mayor's Charity Fund, which this year supports Christie Hospital and Bolton Hospice.

On Saturday, December 8, there is a concert by New Century Strings, Bolton's advanced youth string ensemble. Director is Graham Oppenheimer with soloist Gerald Hopkin.

The concert begins at 7.30pm at Bethel Church, Clarence Street, Bolton. Tickets -- costing £4, concessions £3 -- are available at the door on the night.

The BMS Singers, Bolton Girls Choir, St Osmund's RC Primary School Choir, St George's CE Primary School Choir, and Smithills Brass Band join in for the Bolton Police carol service on Monday, December 10, at Bolton Parish Church at 7pm.

A gala concert is then staged on Thursday, December 13, 7.30pm. The event, featuring Christmas music, is presented by St Thomas of Canterbury Church and School Choirs in partnership with Bolton Music Service.

It will include appearances by New Century Strings, conducted by Gerald Hopkin, and Bolton Barbershop Chorus, with director Michael Dargan.

All proceeds will go to Whizz-Kidz, a charity which helps non-mobile children. The event is at St Thomas of Canterbury Church on Lonsdale Road, Bolton. Tickets, £3 and £2 concessions, are available on 333533 or 492805.

Other performances include: Saturday, December 15, 7pm -- Bolton Junior Youth Orchestra Concert at Thornleigh College; Sunday, December 16, 6.30pm -- Carol Service featuring the BMS Singers at St Margaret's Church; Sunday, December 16 -- Bolton Youth Orchestra Concert at the Pennine Suite, The Last Drop Hotel, Bromley Cross, featuring conductor Sam King with a programme of popular early romantic music; Tuesday, December 18, 7pm -- Bolton Music Centre Concert Bands' Awards Evening at the Lion of Vienna Suite at the Reebok Stadium; Wednesday, December 19 -- Bolton Music Centre Brass Bands Awards Evening and Christmas Music.