SINGING students had to sing for their supper -- or at least a roof over their heads -- on a trip to America.

The Canon Slade School choir stayed in a mission for the homeless in New York.

In a deal struck before they arrived, the youngsters agrred to help out on the kitchens and give free concerts in return for accommodation.

But it wasn't all bad -- the children also stayed in luxury mansions in Los Angeles on the second leg of their trip.

The choir even gave an impromtu concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

The group raised £7,000 for the trip, but had to contribute towards costs.

In New York, the students slept on the floor of the Bowery Mission for the homeless in Manhattan.

Then, students at Christian Valley High, a Los Angeles private Christian school, opened up their homes for them to enjoy living in the lap of luxury.

Rob Wilding, teacher, said: "It was a fantastic experience. The children went from sleeping on the floors of a mission to the mansions of Los Angeles.

"I was glad it was done in that order. Although the mission was clean, it still wouldn't have compared favourably with the LA luxury we enjoyed had it been the other way round.

"But the overall, wherever we went, the response we got was one of overwhelming friendship and warmth.

"The people were wonderful and the trip gave the children the opportunity to do so many things."

The 42-strong party planned the trip for 18 months. It was intended to mix sacred and secular music, giving vocal leadership in churches and concerts to the public.

Appearances included performances at Calvery Baptist Church, a show in New Jersey, and a concert in front of a thousand students in Orange County.

The youngsters also took the opportunity to sing on stage in the Hollywood Bowl, although the arena was empty!

Mr Wilding said: "We couldn't resist the temptation to try our hand in one of the world's most famous venues.

"This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip with so many experiences. Although we did not receive much financial support from bigger firms in Bolton, we were helped by smaller companies, individuals and churches and we are very grateful."