CHILDREN from Bolton have joined others from around the country raising their voices in aid of charity and setting a new world record.

Via live Internet links, pupils from several schools in the borough were part of a bid to form the world's largest simultaneous choir. The pupils had been learning a specially written song, "Tell Me Why", for several weeks to take part in the challenge, which aimed to bring 100,000 pupils together at the same time yesterday.

Among them was the school choir from Holy Infants Primary School. The 25 pupils have been practising hard for the event, using a CD of the song, sent by organisers Young Voices, to learn the words.

But modern technology let them down when the live Internet link they were hoping to set up to Belfast's Odyssey Arena failed to go through.

Undeterred, the pupils started their singing on their own at 2.45pm precisely -- the time when singing of the song was being led by young star Declan Galbrath in Belfast.

"They sang really well. I feel very proud of them," said acting head Veronica Wainwright.

Other Bolton schools taking part were Crofthouse Nursery, Hayward High School and St Mary's Primary.

The children were taking part in the event to raise money for the Sargent Cancer Care for Children charity.

A CD of the song has been released and organisers are hoping it will make the number one spot for Christmas as well as raising thousands of pounds for their work.