HUNDREDS of children sang their hearts out for world peace and raised more than £1,000 for charity during a crowd-pleasing evening of international music.

More than 400 youngsters spent a day learning new songs at Bolton's Victoria Hall and then performed a concert in front of a huge audience of family and friends.

It was organised by the borough's Schools' Music Association, and raised funds for the town's Young Persons' Housing Scheme.

The music association organises the event every year to help local charities and to give children an insight into the pleasure of singing as a group.

Liz Forrest, one of the organisers, said: "It was a fantastic day. The children sang their hearts out during practice sessions in the afternoon and then did it again for real in the evening."

She added: "The children all worked hard this year and I'm sure they all really enjoyed themselves.

"They showed that so much can be achieved when young people work together."

The youngsters were led by conductor Gitikka Partington, from London, and performed alongside a number of local musical groups.

These included Bolton Junior Youth Choir, Hayward School steel band, Bolton Music Service's Gamelan orchestra and the Impulsive junior folk group from Rochdale.

As well as performing international songs, they also sang a tune commissioned in memory of Bessie German, a founder member of the music association, who died last year.