A BAND has defended plans to sing a song about drinking at a concert for school-age children.

Accrington musicians The Cornerstones, will perform as part of a fund-raising day at Witton Park High School, Blackburn.

In their set is a song entitled Fall Guy, which, in its original form, also includes bad language.

However, Cornerstones manager Alan Parker said the band had thought long and hard before deciding to include the number.

He said: "There was some bad language in the song, which we have decided to change.

"But a lot of the bands that younger kids are into, like Oasis for instance, sing songs about things that are much worse than drinking.

"For instance, 99 per cent of the kids will probably know What's The Story Morning Glory, which is all about drugs."

The idea to play at the school is something of a first for East Lancashire.

Alan says the band wanted to do as it would allow them to play in front of a currently untapped group of potential fans.

He said: "The majority of the shows we do are at licensed premises where youngsters are not allowed in. At one gig, a group of youngsters said: 'Why don't you play somewhere we can come and see you,' and that set me thinking."

A spokesman for the school said the band was being allowed to play as a special treat for the pupils, who will pay a 'fine' for the concert.

Money raised will be donated to Arthritis Care, Save The Children and the Mayor of Blackburn's charity.

Students in the top three years will be allowed to watch the show, which takes place next Friday, while lower school children are involved in other fun activities.

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