HUNDREDS of children from schools across Bolton sung their hearts out in a bid to beat the world record for the biggest simultaneous sing-along.

The youngsters were among hundreds of thousands in the UK who joined in with 90s pop star Des’ree as she performed her chart-topping hit, You Gotta Be.

Des’ree sang live from The O2 arena in London at 2.45pm yesterday, with pupils joining in across the country at the same time.

Among those taking part, were St Brendan’s RC Primary in Harwood; SS Osmund and Andrew’s RC Primary, Breightmet; St Bede CE Primary, Morris Green; Ladybridge Primary, Deane; Plodder Lane Primary, Farnworth; Rivington and Blackrod in Horwich and Christ Church CE Primary in Ainsworth.

They travelled to the MEN Arena in Manchester to link up with pupils from the region.

Other schools, including Bishop Bridgeman, Great Lever; George Tomlinson High, Kearsley; Claypool Primary, Horwich; and St Mary’s RC, Radcliffe; joined the singing sessions from their school halls. The challenge was to smash the 2005 Guinness World Record of sing-along of 502,000 people.

All 210 pupils at Claypool Primary had been practising for the event since October. Lofty the Lion and his friend acted as witness, to verify the children had taken part.

Karen Parker, the school’s music co-ordinator, said: “It was a really exciting opportunity for children to contribute to the community as a whole and see that working together they can make a difference, both in raising money and breaking a world record.”

Lucy Keating, aged 10, said: “It was brilliant to think we were doing it at the same time as thousands of other children.”

Alex McKenzie, aged 11, added: “It was great fun and really good thinking we could be beating a record.”

The youngsters made a donation of £1 to take part, which will go towards charities Marie Curie Cancer Care, Clic Sargent and Youth Music.