MEMBERS of Accrington Pipe Band will be joining around 7,000 pipers in New York in April for what organisers hope will be a record-breaking parade in aid of charity.

The parade, backed by Scottish Power and VisitScotland, aims to beat the current pipe band record of 8,500 which was set two years ago in Edinburgh, and organisers hope this event will see 10,000 pipers from all over the world march on Tartan Day, April 6.

VisitScotland chairman Peter Lederan said: "We are just 1,500 pipers away from the world record and with two months to go, are well on target. We do however, want to encourage as many pipers and drummers as possible to sign up for this event."

Organisers hope to raise around £1 million for cancer charities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Scottish Power group director Dominic Fry, said: "We're delighted that more than 7,000 people have signed up to this exciting event. More than 25 countries are now represented including bands from as far away as China, Brazil and Australia but for obvious reasons, we want to encourage a strong showing from Scotland."

The event is being supported by actor Ewan McGregor, who has been signed up as honorary drum president.

The parade will span 36 blocks of New York from Central Park to 42nd Street and pipers interested in joining the parade may be able to get assistance with travel costs. For details contact the website on www.pipefest.com or call 0131 228 1715.