WHEN Princess Anne was born 50 years ago, one of the first sounds she may have heard as she lay in her cradle was a group of Little Lever children singing and playing their recorders.

The recorder group and choir of St Matthew's C of E Primary School in Norris Street made what must have been one of the first ever school records -- a version of the hymn "The Lord is My Shepherd" and sent it to the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, congratulating her on the birth of Anne.

Since then, a yellowing card bearing a photo of the musical group and the letter of thanks from Princess Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting, Henriette Palmer, has been kept in school records.

It was unearthed a few months ago by the present head, the Rev Ian Anthony, who put it in the church vestry.

Last week as the vestry was undergoing a revamp, it came to light again -- just in time for Princess Anne's birthday.

Now Mr Anthony is trying to trace anyone who remembers the recording, or recognises anyone on the photograph.

And he would like to hear if anyone still has one of the records.

He said: "I don't know where the record was made. Looking at the photograph I would think the youngsters are about 10 -- so they would be about 60 now.

"We still have some school records although we do not use them any more as they are all on computers these days."

The letter was obviously a prized possession at the time. It was addressed to Miss Maureen Edge at the school and dated September 21, 1950.

It is signed by the lady-in-waiting and says that "Her Royal Highness was deeply touched that the choir should have made a record".

It goes on to say the Princess was so pleased to receive the present and asks Miss Edge to give her thanks to the youngsters.

So if you are one of those well-scrubbed little girls in your best frock, or one of the boys, pictured on a lawn playing with the group, contact the BEN News Desk on 01204 361270 or the school when it returns on September 5. The telephone number is 573230.