Kate Hardcastle, Lisa Roberts and Hannah Cygan-Wrobleski are all huge soul music fans and as schoolgirls fronted a local soul band The Fabulous BB Kings.

Their inspiration was American singers like Martha Reeves and Alexander O'Neal whose hits they would belt out night after night.

They never imagined 15 years on they would be on the same stage and singing with their heroes in their hometown of Halifax. But thanks to a lot of hard work and determination they are not only realising their dreams but raising money for their favourite charities at the same time.

The friends, who met at Brooksbank School, Elland, dreamed up a Soul and Motown Revue at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, last September to celebrate their 30th birthdays.

They somehow managed to persuade American soul diva Martha Reeves to come along and sing for nothing.

The concert, which was attended by more than 1,200 people, raised over £6,000 for three charities and was such a huge success they decided to repeat it again this year. The only problem was they needed another big name to draw the crowds, so they approached R&B and soul giant Alexander O'Neal who said he would be happy to help them. He comes to Halifax on Saturday, October 4, for the second Soul and Motown Revue.

O'Neal, who was born in Mississippi, has been on the soul scene since the early 80s and had hits with songs like Fake and Criticise. His claim to fame is that he is the only black singer to ever sell out six straight nights at London's Wembley Arena. He did this during a world tour in 1990.

Since then his six albums have charted both in the UK and the US and he has enjoyed numerous sell-out tours. Although he is based in Minneapolis, he frequently comes to Britain, which he sees as his second home.

He is in demand again after a recent appearance on Channel 4's Wife Swap and Kate Hardcastle, who lives in Holywell Green, says she hopes his TV appearance will help draw the crowds on October 4.

"We are absolutely delighted with Alexander O'Neal's involvement. After Martha Reeves we needed another big name and they don't come much bigger than Alexander. It's his first visit to Calderdale and he is really looking forward to it. I think agreeing to help us shows he has a fantastic caring side to his personality," says Kate, who has had an exciting six months drumming up support for this year's concert.

She has met soul stars including The Temptations, Eddie Floyd, Michael McDonald, Ashford & Simpson and Smokey Robinson. Other celebrities who are supporting this year's concert include Dame Judi Dench, Jerry Springer, Gareth Gates and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The concert has been organised by the three women and a team of eight local individuals.

"Most of the team were at last year's concert and were really keen to get involved, though it has to be said I don't think anyone realised what a huge project it was to undertake," says Kate.

The three chosen charities this year are Halifax RSPCA, the Calderdale branch of The Samaritans and Endometriosis UK. Kate suffers from endometriosis, a painful condition which can take eight years to diagnose and can affect fertility. Endometriosis UK supports and helps to raise awareness for the two million sufferers in this country.

"It is important to us that there is an emotional connection to the charity, and that people understand it is not just about presenting a cheque at the end of the event. We will be representing the charities on the night and telling their stories," she says.

As well as great entertainment and some fantastic prizes on offer, this year's concert is looking for singing stars of the future. "We are looking for the next generation of Yorkshire Dreamgirls who would like to follow in our footsteps.

"We will be revealing more details on the night so if you know of a potential star make sure they come along."

Tickets for the concert start at £10 and are on sale at the Victoria Theatre box office.

For more details call 01422 351158 or e-mail
dreamgirlsyorkshire@hotmail.co.uk