SIXTY-five pupils from De La Salle High School in Eccleston will be packing their bags for sunny Spain this summer to show off their musical talents.

The De La Salle Orchestra, conducted by Miss Donna Manley, and an 'a cappella' choir will travel to Calafell on Friday, July 20 for their second tour.

Throughout the week, the orchestra, made up of pupils from Year 7 through to sixth formers at Carmel College, will be performing popular tunes such as 'The Theme from Star Wars' and 'Friends' and older favourites like 'Rock Around The Clock' at various venues throughout the area, including The Maritime Museum in Barcelona.

While the choir, led by Gareth Owen, who also conducts the Liverpool Philharmonic Community Choir, will sing up-to-date tunes by the likes of Madonna and The Verve.

The school has also been recognised for its musical and drama achievements and will hold the title of 'Performing Arts College' from 2003.

And the staff in the music department say that they are very proud of their achievements over the past 10 years.

Donna Manley, head of music at the school, said: "I am indebted to the hard work and dedication of the staff in the Expressive Arts Department and also to its visiting tutors who include Mrs Jackie Howard, co-conductor of the Knowsley Youth Orchestra and Miss Linda Nicholson, conductor of the St Helens Youth Brass Band, which is due to play in the Brass Band Final of the National Festival of Music for Youth in July".