THOUSANDS of voices will be heard singing from the same hymn sheet on Sunday when the BBC broadcasts its special Songs of Praise -- Commonwealth Praise -- filmed in Bolton.

The show, starring 300 of the town's schoolchildren, will be shown on BBC1 at 6.15pm. The Rev Phil Mason, Victoria Hall superintendent minister, will be hosting the show along with regular Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes.

The event, filmed on July 7 in Victoria Square, was attrended by VIPs from all over Greater Manchester.

The programme will feature the singing of the award winning Smithills School Senior Brass Band and the Rob Wilding musicians. The event was organised by teams from Bolton Council, the BBC and the More Than Gold scheme who worked for months to put together the unique programme from the heart of Bolton.

The broadcast will link the music with interviews with people of faith who have a connection with the Commonwealth Games, such as triple-jump athlete Jonathon Edwards, and former Commonwealth gold medallist Diane Modhal.