YOUNGSTERS in Pendle are hoping to become record breakers by forming what is believed to be the country's first under-four orchestra.

Pendle Leisure Trust along with SureStart Waterbridge are hoping to pave the way for future musicians and artistes of 2020 by preparing a musical celebration day for the children at Colne Municipal Hall on April 1.

Children at local nurseries and parent and toddler groups in the Waterbridge area of Colne are being invited to take part in the event which it is hoped will put Pendle on the musical map.

Sara Lowes, project co-ordinator, said: "This is an exciting project and as far as we know it is the first under-fours orchestra in Britain. We have been able to bring the Manchester Camerata on board who, in the past, have worked very successful with young children in other parts of the country.

"The youngest we know of in the UK are under-five orchestras. All children from the Sure Start Waterbridge area who are taking part will receive a free instrument to keep and a free video for their families as a memento.

"All the nurseries taking part will also receive the video and a new set of percussion instruments. The project also involves making a huge mural which will be displayed in the Municipal Hall and the children will have lots of opportunities to paint and draw their own little piece on it." Children attending parent and toddler groups in the Waterbridge area have already begun preparing decorations for the big day and nurseries are busy on the first stages of the mural. The sessions are free and were taking place at the Municipal Hall in Colne today and on March 19 and 26, between 10am and 11am.

For further details contact Jenny on 01282 859001 or Sara on 01282 661251.