Children from across Blackburn Diocese are raising the roof of Blackburn Cathedral in support of vulnerable communities around the world.

They are taking part in Christian Aid’s Big Spring Sing – a celebration of music involving 8 schools and a call to action.

Pupils will be performing three songs written for Christian Aid by Scottish charity Fischy Music. The aim is to empower young people to speak out on global issues as well as supporting the work of Christian Aid.

The event takes place at Blackburn Cathedral on Thursday 21 March at 7pm. Local dignitaries have been invited and the event is open to everyone.

Lisa Fenton from the Board of Education said: “Christian Aid works alongside local partners delivering humanitarian aid and long-term projects in some of the world’s poorest countries.

"This event is a pilot for Christian Aid to test the Big Sing format and Blackburn Diocese has been chosen alongside St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese to carry out the event.

"The hope is that the event will become a national initiative encouraging hundreds of school children across the country to come together and stand against injustice."

The event will aim to raise awareness of what it means to be a courageous advocate and to further the work of Christian Aid.

The service will be predominantly child-led with two children from each school acting as representatives.

The 8 schools involved in the Big Spring Sing are:

• Tockholes St Stephens
• The Redeemer
• Blackburn St Lukes and St Philip's
• Chorley St James
• Cliviger St Johns - School choir
• Darwen Holy Trinity
• New Longton All Saints
• Appley Bridge