PUPILS at St Mary's RC School in Horwich are aiming for the Christmas number one slot in the town.

The whole school, from infants to 11-year-olds, will be recording a Christmas cassette of popular carols and songs on November 23 which will go on sale to boost school funds.

Rehearsals have started in earnest at the school which is on two sites at Victoria Road and Chorley New Road, under the direction of Mr Alec MacPherson, head of music.

About 10 numbers, including the carols 'The Christmas Child', 'The Rocking Carol' and 'Tonight', will be featured on the 24 minute tape, being professionally produced by Simon Jones of Moving Music. Some of the tracks will have backing music but most will be accompanied by Mr MacPherson on the piano.

There will also be two instrumental numbers and some of the older children will be able to try their hand at composition and write their own words to go with the music.

Even the cover for the cassette will be designed by the pupils.

"It will make an ideal stocking filler," said Mr MacPherson.

"It will go on sale to parents and hopefully we will get it in time to sell at the School Christmas Fair on December 3. It will also be available at our Christmas Concerts over the festive season.

"Apart from raising funds and promoting the school, it's also good for the children."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.