EMMERDALE STAR Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in the TV soap, met up with young friends yesterday to encourage them before they take the stage in the fund-raising show Celtic Feet, at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Thursday.

They are all pupils of the Gordon School of Dancing in Montrose, which has organised a star-studded show to raise funds for local girl Adana Forsyth.

The nine-year-old hopes to undergo pioneering treatment for the distressing skin condition epidermolysis bullusa (EB).

A research team at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, has made progress in a bid to find a cure for the genetic disorder, which causes skin to blister and peel at the slightest touch.

“If the treatment to Adana is successful it will give hope to others who suffer this condition,” said Gordon School of Dancing principal Robina Addison.

“No child should be born into a life of pain and years of suffering ahead of them.”

“The dancers have performed with the cast of Emmerdale at charity events in the past—and Chris, who has connections in the Brechin area—and we were delighted when he said he would help us,” said Mrs Addison.

Yesterday, Mr Chittell helped the dancers take delivery of signed prints to be auctioned to add to proceeds from the show.

Stewart Liddel, a painter for the Royal Ballet, has given four ballet scenes and leading Scottish landscape artist Dr James Morrison, who lives in Montrose, has given two framed prints of his work.

“When they heard what we were doing both immediately offered to help and we greatly appreciate their support,” said Mrs Addison.

“Their works are very popular and the sale of the prints will greatly boost our efforts.

“The paintings will be on display at the Caird Hall.”

The show will feature personalities including Scottish comedian Andy Cameron and broadcaster Jackie Bird, who will appear with local performers including the pupils of the dancing, school singer Doc Masson, The Trybe—a band which draws its membership from Dundee, Stonehaven and Edinburgh—and Brechin musicians Megan and Keiran Ryan.

There will also be a speciality act in the form of Skip 2 The Beat from Portsoy, who are the current British skipping champions.

A novelty highlight will be the appearance of the Montrose emergency services who were challenged by Mrs Addison to learn and perform dance routines which she has choreographed.

“Months of preparation and rehearsals have gone into the show and tickets sales are going well,” said Mrs Addison who hopes to attract visitors in the area for The Open at Carnoustie.

Tickets can be booked through the Dundee city box office on 01382 434940.

Anyone interested in bidding for the paintings should contact The Print Shop, Montrose, on 01674 672888.