FOUR musically-minded youngsters have taken it upon themselves to follow in the footsteps of Bob Geldof and record their own charity single.

Luke Porter and Callum Sanderson, both 12, were joined in the studio by fellow Yarm School students, Danny Scott, 13, and 17-year-old Jasmine Hoque to produce their version of Ben E. King’s Stand by Me and Bill Withers’ Lean on Me.

The students have pledged that 100 per cent of the proceeds from sales of the single will go straight to their chosen charity, Shelter.

The organisation provides advice and practical assistance for the homeless and those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Andrew McIntyre, who leads music recording activity at the school, said: “We are incredibly proud of the students who have devoted their time, and used their talents, to support such a worthy cause.

“They have produced a lovely single and we hope the money raised makes a difference to those in need.”

Yarm School’s music department has built up a national reputation for itself, with talented pupils going on to study at a range of prestigious institutions, including the Samling Academy in Hexham, which nurtures the next generation of classical singers.

David Dunn, headmaster at Yarm School, revealed his pride in the four students and said: “We have a strong community ethos at Yarm School.

“Our pupils show great initiative and get involved with charities and good causes that they feel strongly about and we are proud to support them along the way.

“I am proud of the pupils who have taken this project from conception to delivery during the course of the term and recorded a beautiful arrangement of two classic songs.

“We’re hoping the money raised for Shelter will be enable the charity to help even more vulnerable people and will improve their quality of life.”