The Hoosiers are set to play an intimate charity gig after their lead singer spotted a 12-year-old girl raising money for the homeless.

Frontman Irwin Sparkes became involved after spotting a video for Scarlett Chapman’s single Home, which is raising money for Brighton’s Off The Fence charity.

After being wowed by her singing, the band famous for hits such as Goodbye Mr A and Worried About Ray will now play an acoustic set in Hove in April in aid of the charity. Scarlett, who lives in Hove, will also be supporting with her own music.

Roy Stannard, head of income generation and communications at Off The Fence, said: “This is a marvellous opportunity and the first gig we have done with someone of this stature.

The Argus: Irwin Sparkes performing with The HoosiersIrwin Sparkes performing with The Hoosiers (Image: Off The Fence)

“Irwin is so down to earth and he’s such a nice guy. We didn’t realise he had already been a supporter for a while.

MOST READ:

“Scarlett is an exciting young singer and her ability to interpret a song is almost miraculous. She is very modest and wants to do this to help people.”

Irwin began supporting Off The Fence after moving to Brighton and contacted the charity to offer to play the gig.

Roy said it was only when the singer and guitarist got in touch that they realised he had been donating to Off The Fence for some time.

The gig at The Hove Club in Fourth Avenue will support Off The Fence as well as Brighton and Hove Mayor Lizzie Deane's charities, which include the Martlets hospice.

The event comes as The Hoosiers prepare to go back on the road at the beginning of June before releasing a new album.

An advert for the gig said: “This intimate gig is a unique opportunity to see Irwin perform new and old material in the close-up and personal surroundings of The Hove Club.”

The gig is set to take place on April 24 with tickets limited to just 120 people.

Tickets are on sale and can be bought on Eventbrite.