TWO young stars who captured the nation's heart with their friendship helped to launch a day of music.

Jack Stanley and Rani Asadd have become household names since appearing in Channel 4 series Educating Greater Manchester.

The Harrop Fold School best friends were at Little Hulton Cricket Club yesterday to open Little Fest.

Jack, aged 12, who plays for the club, said: "It's good to be asked, it's my second home this club and Rani's first time here.

"I don't know what we are going to say for the opening, but I hope Rani chips in with a few words!"

The boys have been television favourites since viewers witnessed their blossoming friendship after Rani joined the Little Hulton school after moving from war-torn Syria.

Rani, also aged 12, explained: "I was not happy and by myself alone. This kid came up to me and said 'what's your name and where are you from?' Then we started to hang out with each other."

Jacks adds: "I don't like seeing people on their own.

"I hope to get other people to be like me and Rani, to be friends with others. It would be great if all the people in the country did that.

"I didn't think we would become famous. I'm a bit surprised, we were told we would be on one TV show and we have ended up on many more!"

When the television cameras first started rolling in their school the boys joked that they put on a bit of an 'act' but after a while they got used to the filming.

Since hitting the screen, the friends have enjoyed everything from appearing in programmes like This Morning to helping to raise funds for the Together We Stand appeal in Manchester.

This video of 12-year-old stars of Educating Greater Manchester will restore your faith in humanity

They are also getting used to being recognised in the street.

Rani added: "We were going on a train to London to Channel 4 with the teacher and an old woman came up to us and asked if we were the two kids off the TV? She gave us £10!"

The boys cut the ribbon to launch the first Little Fest on Saturday afternoon.

A fun day of music, carnival rides and food and drink was organised by a group of friends Paul Walsh, Mark Barns, David Bird and Andy Patchet to help promote local music.

Featuring soloists, bands, folk and acoustics acts aged 14 and over as well as Wingates Brass Band, the team came up with the idea for the event over a pint.

Mr Walsh, from Little Hulton runs a music studio with Mr Barns. He said: "We do a showcase for our students were they play with a live band and we talked about making it bigger and though lets have a go at a festival!

"It has been a lot of work considering we are complete novices at it but we've now had a lot of cricket clubs contacting us to get involved with them next year.

"We hope to take it around Bolton, Farnworth, the North West.

"There are hundreds of clubs out there but nothing really on. You have Boltfest and live music nights in pubs but for young singers and people who have been around longer it's great to have more festival opportunities!"