Kids sing their way into the record books

They were among more than 80,000 children who smashed the world record for simultaneous singing in a sponsored event for the charity Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

The new record, shattering the previous one of 15,500 voices, was set in December, but has only just been ratified.

East Preston Junior and Rustington Community Primary schools and Littlehampton Community School Nursery joined in the mass sing, which, as well as setting the new record of 83,121 voices, raised 42,000 for the charity.

Children from all over the UK and Ireland took part and the venture was staged by concert organiser Young Voices, whose spokesman said: "We are thrilled that we broke the record by such a margin, but even more pleased that the exercise raised money for seriously ill children and raised the profile of such a worthwhile charity."

Sian Cranny, the charity's chief executive, said: "I would like to thank all the children who took part for their tremendous support.

"Through their fund- raising efforts, they have helped many young people with cancer and their families."