Boy's delight at singing in Children in Need choir

A teenager from Goole will perform live on national television as part of this year's BBC Children in Need Choir.

Liam, 13, is autistic and attends Castaway - a musical theatre project for children with special educational needs, which is paid for by BBC Children in Need.

Ahead of the event on Friday, the teenager has received an "amazing" message of support from Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness, who is taking on his own challenge to raise funds.

This year, for the first time, the choir will feature children and young people from across the UK who have been supported by local projects, funded by the charity.

When asked how excited he was to be in the choir, Liam said "a thousand out of ten" and added he felt "so relaxed" and "happy" when taking part in Castaway sessions.

Liam's mum, Elena, explained: "Castaway are very catered to children like Liam, and provide a very safe, welcoming setting".

"We're always very proud of him. He always puts his all into everything he has a go at.

"We're really looking forward for other people to see what he can achieve and what he can do," she added.

The teenager added he'd been practicing the song, Never Forget by Take That, and attending weekly Zoom rehearsals, led by choirmaster Mark De Lisser.

Liam added: "It will be so big, one of the biggest concerts I'll ever do in my life."

Dad Andy, and younger brother Aidan, will be watching from home in Goole.

LISTEN ON BBC SOUNDS: Family of a Goole teenager talk about him singing on BBC Children in Need

This year's BBC Children in Need campaign takes place on Friday 15 November.

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