THE Largs community is set to sing and dance this December in a bid to raise £80,000 to help a young girl walk for the first time.

Four-year-old Alara Kavak developed cerebral palsy after being born premature and cannot walk without support and the use of specialist equipment.

Parents Fiona and Ozkan issued a rallying call on the front page of the News last week after being given the chance of a revolutionary surgical procedure in America which could allow their daughter to take her first steps.

Almost £15,000 has already donated by kind-hearted residents, and now a number of fundraising events are being planned to get the youngster to the United States.

'A Gala for Alara' is set to take place on December 11 in Clark Memorial Church, featuring a string of individual and group performances.

Talented students from the Royal Conservatoire, Aaron Kinning, Largs Primary Choir, soprano Helen Lothian Convery, Paul and Jennifer McShane and the Largs Boys' Brigade Pipe Band will all perform.

The evening of fundraising has been organised by local lady Lynsey Ewing - with almost half of the tickets for the event already sold.

She said: “I have been blown away by the support we have received for Alara’s concert next month.

“We have sold so many seats already and have had amazing raffle prizes donated too. It’s set to be a great night for an amazing cause.

“Largs Printers have kindly prepared and donated the tickets, promotional posters and programmes.”

Tickets for the musical gala, costing £10, are available by emailing lynseyewing@sky.com, or can be purchased from Boutique Hair Spa or The Fish Works in Largs.

Other events are also in the pipeline as the town rallies to help the tot.

Talented local dancer Rachel Ashmead is set to host a special dance class to raise funds for Alara’s surgery.

Rachel will run a 75 minute special edition of her popular Broadway Boogie session in Clark Memorial Church on December 20.

All ages and abilities are welcome and there are 120 spots available. To book a space text 07946789916.

Alara’s mum Fiona told the News she wasn’t expecting such an outpouring of support for her little girl, who celebrated her birthday on Sunday.

She said: “Myself and Ozkan have been overwhelmed by the generosity, love and support we have received this past week for our little Alara.

“Every life has a story and we thank you everyone for coming together to give our daughter a chance to walk.”

Alara’s Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery is scheduled to take place in America in February - if the £80,000 can be raised in time to fund the trip.

Donations can be made to the fundraising page at at www.justgiving.com/campaign/alaraslittlelegs