SCOTTISH pop star Darius Campbell says Stirling’s winter wonderland is the perfect setting to see in 2011.

This year’s Popstar to Operastar winner will entertain during Stirling Castle’s Hogmanay bash with classic tracks from his acclaimed tour, the History of the Big Bands – which draws inspiration from renowned crooners such as Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

He told the Observer yesterday: “I’m really ecstatic to be coming to Stirling for New Year. It’s always great to be in Scotland at this time of year because we celebrate Hogmanay like nowhere else in the world.

“The castle itself is such a sweeping, historic and romantic venue. It’s the perfect setting to say goodbye to another year and look forward to 2011.

“I’ve heard the weather’s going to be clear, and with the snow on the hills and the stars in the sky, it’ll be like spending New Year in Narnia.

“There’s no better audience than a Scottish one for Hogmanay. I’ll have friends and family in the crowd, and to be given the chance to sing ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ outdoors is something really special.”

A host of other acts are set to feature on the bill – including Celtic rockers Skerryvore, and the locally-based Heart of Scotland Choir – but none have raised the hackles as much as former X Factor contestant Wagner.

Darius, who has used reality TV shows to propel him to success, urged revellers to get into the spirit of the season and embrace the 54-year-old Brazilian’s flamboyant talents.

He stressed that getting behind the Dudley-based one-time PE teacher’s antics – which split opinion during his time on the hit ITV1 show – could lead to a memorable evening.

“There’s nowhere in the whole of the country that will have as entertaining a line up as Stirling. A lot has been said about him, but I can’t help but enjoy Wagner’s performances,” he continued.

“They are fun, energetic, and a wonderful anecdote to people who take life too seriously. “People like Wagner are what this time of year is all about – having fun with friends, family and the people closest to you.

“I’m thrilled to be involved and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve spend New Year’s Eve in various places all over the world, but it’s wonderful to be able to spend it in Scotland, especially Stirling, again.”

For more information visit www.stirlinghogmanay.com

A STRING of high-profile celebrities have helped launch a Bridge of Allan charity’s annual appeal.

Hollywood star Brian Cox teamed up with TV presenter Ben Fogle and hit-maker Darius Campbell to endorse medical good cause Developing World Health’s yearly fundraising effort.

The campaign, titled the ‘50p Life Change Appeal’ hopes to raise crucial cash to treat children suffering from rare tropical diseases.

Bilharzia, river blindness, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, elephantitis and trachoma are all under the microscope.

Dr Stuart Smith, who founded the charity in 2008, explained the big-hearted group are attempting to generate £1 million over the next five years to treat around two million youngsters in sub-Saharan Africa.

“It’s estimated one sixth of the world’s population, some 1.4 billion people, are affected by the top seven preventable parasitic and bacterial infections, which can cause death and physical deformity,” he said.

“And, while cases in the UK are rare, we’re not immune from their devastating effects, especially as more holidaymakers are visiting Africa.

“In 2003, Prince William highlighted the risk when he contracted schistosomiasis – a form of bilharzia – from parasitic flatworms. And in 2008, Ben Fogle contracted Leishmaniasis, a potentially-fatal tropical skin-eating parasite bug, while filming in the Peruvian jungle.”

Emmy award-winning Shakespearian actor Brian Cox urged as many people to donate as possible, adding that each 50p contribution will allow Developing World Health to protect a child against a whole host of diseases for 12 months.

“They will also be able to continue to develop new treatments for conditions such as African sleeping sickness, which are required urgently,” the charity’s patron continued.

“Having recently visited Africa, I’ve personally witnessed the devastation that these diseases cause – but we have it in our power to help tackle this scourge.

“While children are the most vulnerable, these conditions cause human misery to millions due to social stigma, deformities, and chronic and debilitating pain.”

The charity is working with the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) – part of Imperial College London – to distribute life-saving treatments.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the University of Glasgow, are also involved in developing new preventative measures for Leishmaniasis and African Sleeping Sickness.

Dr Smith added: “We’re delighted to have Brian as our ambassador, and personalities such as Darius and Ben, to help raise awareness of diseases that affect millions in the developing world.

“These kill, cause premature disability, and are estimated to be second only to HIV/Aids, and equivalent to malaria, in terms of impact.’’

Adventurer Ben Fogle outlined what it’s like to contract Leishmaniasis, an ailment that threatens approximately 350 million men, women and children in 88 countries around the world.

As many as 12m people are believed to actually have the disease at the moment, with an estimated 1.2m new cases occurring every year.

“I underwent two courses of treatment and, though painful and unpleasant, I was incredibly lucky to have access to the medicine and world-class tropical health care.

“Many people overseas aren’t so lucky and that’s why I wholeheartedly support this appeal – a donation of 50p really could change a life,” he said.

To donate visit www.50pence.org

Scots singing sensation Darius Campbell met with Scottish Opera’s Connect singers to pass on his pearls of performing wisdom, ahead of their professional opera debut.

Darius, who achieved fame on Popstars in 2001, is currently starring in Snow White at The King’s Theatre in Glasgow.

As a child, Darius sang with Scottish Opera, appearing in Les Troyens with the Children’s Chorus and the company’s production of Carmen at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Since then, he has also appeared in the West End and won the ITV show Popstar to Operastar. He was seen as the perfect person to give the Scottish Opera Connect singers hints and tips on maintaining a successful professional career.

The group of 40 young singers aged between 14 and 21, who work with members of Scottish Opera’s creative team to develop their performance skills, will sing in a family double bill of operas being staged by Scottish Opera and the Citizens Theatre early next year.

MISS Scotland was among the celebrities who helped make it a special Christmas for brave youngsters at the annual festive party organised by charity fundraiser Les Hoey from Wishaw.

Stunning Nicola Mimnagh put a smile on kids’ faces as she attended the party held at Fir Park, Motherwell.

Pantomime star Darius Campbell took some time away from the production of Aladdin at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow to make sure the children had a fantastic time.

Many of the youngsters have life-limiting conditions and the party gives them an event to look forward to.

Wishaw schoolboy Colin McLaren, who suffers from the rare genetic illness adrenaleukodystrophy, had a great time and enjoyed the opportunity to meet famous faces.

His dad Grant said: “Once again we have to say a big thank you to Les for all his efforts. Colin and all the other youngsters had a wonderful time and every one of the celebrities and sports people who came along were great fun.”

The party, in Fir Park’s Centenary Suite, was attended by celebrities including footballers and Scottish TV stars.

Everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day of party games and treats. Each child received a special present, with gifts including X-boxes and PlayStation 3s, TVs, iPods, BlackBerry mobile phones and concert tickets for Westlife and the X Factor tour.