Norton Canes schoolgirl turns gig organiser for Birmingham Children's Hospital

Shannon Finlan, from Norton Canes, has put together a show featuring acts, including former guitarist for The Alarm Dave Sharp and her own Irish band formed with school mates, for a gig at St Mary and St Thomas Moore Catholic Social Club on Friday.

The concert forms part of Big Gig Live, a fundraising event put together by Birmingham Children's Hospital asking for people to put on live music to raise funds towards the care of children in need.

Shannon's sister Sarah McIntosh, who recently turned 18, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus as a child growing up in Manchester, and when her family moved to the West Midlands the hospital took over her care including many brain operations.

After seeing an advertisement calling for promoters to take part in Big Gig Live, Shannon told her mother Michelle that she wanted to do something.

Michelle, a 39-year-old teacher, said: "The way she has just taken the reigns on this has really amazed me, she has done so well.

She is so confident, kind and caring and I know this show will be a success."

The gig, called Shannon's Big Gig for Birmingham Children's Hospital, starts at 7pm, with tickets at £2 on the door.