A CARING Chorley rose queen is hoping her fund-raising efforts hit the right note.

For Jemma Crossen has organised a concert to drum up cash for two health charities.

The young music lover who attends St Michael's High School, wanted to arrange a fund-raiser that people would really enjoy. So she enlisted the help of Chorley Silver Band and Leyland Male Voice Choir.

Jemma, aged 12, of Lyons Lane, Chorley, said: "My dad is in the band and the choir, and a lot of people at church like listening to them."

She chose the Diabetic Endowment fund because her dad, Alan, suffers from diabetes. And money will also go to Cancer Research as a tribute to her grandfather who died of cancer.

Jemma's

mum, Margaret, said: "My eldest daughter Donna-Marie was rose queen four years ago and she chose to raise money during her time in office.

"Jemma said she would like to do some fund-raising as well. We found out that Chorley had its own diabetic fund based at Chorley Hospital and she said she would like to send money there."

Since being crowned St James' Rose Queen in July, busy Jemma's work has not stopped at fund-raising. For example, she will be opening the St James' Christmas fair this year. And she helps people in other ways.

Margaret said: "Jemma decided that she would like to visit people in the parish, and she has drawn a list up. Once a month she visits old and housebound people. She is smashing, and she will chat to people."

She added: "She does an awful lot for her grandma too. Nothing's too much trouble."

But Jemma admits being rose queen is not easy. Sometimes she is teased at school because of her title, and public speaking can be daunting.

"It is a bit scary when I have to make speeches," said Jemma. "Mum helps me to write them. But I like just speaking to people, and it's good that I can help."

'A Musical Evening' takes place at St James' Church, Chorley, on Saturday, November 25, at 7.30pm. Entrance costs £4 for adults, £2 for children, or a family ticket costs £11.