The appeal is called "Learning and Working" and is in partnership with the Church of North India and Christian Aid.

This Friday 2 October (7.30pm) in Derby Cathedral Dave Perkins and Friends will play a wide selection of folk and country music. Tickets £7 (non concessions) on the door or from the Cathedral, 01332 341201, office@derbycathedral.org.

Meanwhile on Saturday 24 October (7.30pm) classical music will be on offer at Melbourne Parish Church at 7.30pm performed by Schola Episcopi along with Melbourne church choir. There will also be a short talk about India. Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection.

In stark contrast, heavy metal music will be on offer at Chesterfield on Wednesday 18 November (7.30pm) when Rev'd Mark Broomhead (Pioneer Minister in the North Wingfield Team Ministry) will be performing at a concert at SS Augustine's Church, with the group, Sanctum at the launch of their heavy metal Christmas CD. Contributions from each CD sale will go to the Harvest appeal.

Finally, there will be a Concert and Service at Derby Cathedral at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25 November. The event will include musical contributions from students at Ashbourne Grammar School and a talk from Ella Sonawane from ISPCK. It will last about an hour.

The Bishop of Derby, Dr. Alastair Redfern, said today: "I am delighted to be working with Christian Aid and ISPCK in this Harvest appeal. They have many years experience of working with the Church of North India, and I know that every penny raised will be used to maximum effect in the three projects to which we have committed our support."

He added: "My visit to India last year allowed me to see at first hand the wonderful work that these organizations are performing. I hope we will receive lots of support."