Coronation Street star Kate Ford is joining forces with a number of other celebrities to record a charity single, it has been announced.

The actress, who plays Weatherfield schemer Tracy Barlow, will add her vocals to a new version of The Pretenders' 'I'll Stand By You' to help raise funds for The Ryan Stanford Appeal.

Ryan Stanford is a 3-year-old boy from Lancaster who has the terminal illness Alpers Syndrome. His parents have set up the appeal to fund research into the rare disease.

Ford commented: "Although I have an incredibly busy working schedule, I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to support such a worthwhile charity, The Ryan Stanford Appeal.

"I am very much looking forward to recording for the charity CD, from which all the proceeds will go into researching Ryan's condition, Alpers Disease. I know the CD, 'I'll Stand By You', a song for Ryan, will touch people's hearts."

Schoolgirl Amy Jo Clough, 14, will take lead vocals on the single, while other celebrities involved in the track include X Factor hopeful Carolynne Poole, Britain's Got Talent star Steve Hall and Bargain Hunt expert Paul Hayes.