A TOUR of America could be in jeopardy for talented Bolton musicians, due to a lack of support from the community.

Award winning pupils in the Canon Slade Singers had been invited to give concerts and lead worship in New York and Los Angeles, but are now struggling to find the funds to go.

This, despite organising dozens of fund-raising concerts, sponsored activities, and donations from churches and parents.

The tour, due to set off within weeks, will cost more than £20,000 -- £17,000 of which is on flights alone -- and the group has, as yet, raised only £3,000.

And director of music at Canon Slade School, Rob Wilding, has angrily slammed local companies for their lack of support.

He said: "I have spent hours and hours writing, phoning and begging for financial support.

"With the exception of a couple of parents who have been terrific, providing all our uniforms for example, not one company in the Bolton area has offered any financial support.

"Most of the money we have raised so far has come from a few donations from churches who feed our school and the hard graft of our staff, parents and pupils who have put on sponsored events and given concerts.

"The money we won as part of the Radio 2 Minstrels in the Gallery competition has gone towards it but it is all just a drop in the ocean.

"There must be people or companies out there who want to support the good works and high achievement of our young people. But where are they?

"Whenever we give a concert in the locality we hear someone saying how wonderful it is to see the youth of today with so much talent and giving so many people so much pleasure, but we don't see this followed through with actual giving.

"In my choir there are very talented musicians who can't afford to go with us because of lack of money. At the outset, I assured my singers that the people of Bolton would be eager to offer help, but so few have and I have no good news to share with these young people.

"When we get to New York in six weeks time we will have to beg for handouts just to help meet basic costs.

"I have found the whole experience quite depressing and it has made me question the idea of ever trying to raise money for such a tour again."

Anyone able to help is asked to contact Mr Wilding on 01204 591347 or 07980 526078.

Tonight at 7.30pm the group is performing a benefit dinner at Canon Slade School with after-dinner entertainment from the Mastersingers.

Tickets available from Rob Wilding on Bolton 591347.