A young girl with leukaemia will help inspire the cast of a musical which is to be performed at Bradford Cathedral.

Olivia Hastie will spur Bradford Catholic Players on as they perform The Witness which tells the life of Jesus Christ through music.

The group is raising money for the Lord Mayor of Bradford's Appeal which supports children's cancer charity Candlelighters.

Martin Walker, chairman of Bradford Catholic Players, is seven-year-old Olivia's uncle and knows the importance of the work the charity does.

"When you find out it is such a shock you cannot believe it," he said.

"You lose any control of what goes on around you, that is the most disheartening thing," he said. "But Candlelighters has helped provide a focus for the whole family."

He said the support from the charity's sibling group for her sister Emma and Olivia's twin brother Liam was invaluable. Olivia's mum Janet, of Horton Bank Top, said the whole family hopes to go to the show and supports the players.

Mr Walker said another cast member has just had to take time out after her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a tumour in the kidney and they were also hoping she recovered well.

The group has performed The Witness before but said the timing, just before Easter, made it particularly poignant.

"It is good that the two faiths of Anglican and Roman Catholic are celebrating something together during this period of Lent," said Mr Walker.

"But this is not just for religious people, anyone will enjoy it."

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Wightman, said he was looking forward to seeing the production. "Olivia is a wonderful example and she will be a great inspiration to the cast," he said.

"We hope her condition improves and that as many people as possible show their support at the event. I am very grateful to them for choosing Candlelighters as one of the beneficiaries and for putting on this play."

It will be performed from April 3 to 5. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked from the ticket secretary Valerie Hamilton on (01274) 637349 or the Lord Mayor's Appeal Office on (01274) 752276. Proceeds will also be split between the Friends of Bradford Cathedral and the Catholic Housing Association.