SCHOOL pupils from Hyndburn brought together two of the greatest Christian celebrations when they starred in an Easter Songs of Praise TV special.

Children from All Saints CE Primary School, Accrington, and Green Haworth CE Primary School sang their hearts out in Preston's St Walburge's Church for filming of the special edition.

But before filming could commence all references to Christmas had to be removed from the church and the altar dressed in appropriate colours for Lent. Floodlights were set up outside the church to light the stained glass windows as if on a spring day.

Instead of carols associated with this time of year the youngsters sang Easter time hymns including My Song is Love Unknown and When I survey the Wondrous Cross.

Peter Jump, headteacher of All Saints, Church Street, said: "It was an honour for the school to be involved and we are very proud of the children who took part.

"All the children involved were young so I'm sure it made a significant impression on them although I don't know whether or not the significance really registered with them. It was very unusual, very tiring and very emotional."

Pupils from the school's choir practised the hymns for four weeks prior to the event while simultaneously learning Christmas carols for the Lancashire Music Services Family Christmas Concert which was held the night before.

Thirty children were also chosen to carry palm leaves to the front of the church at the beginning of the service, ensuring their moment on television next March 24.