YOUNGSTERS from Bere Regis have recorded two songs on CD, which will go on sale next month to support their village’s church bell restoration fund.

Their fundraising effort has also been backed by a local resident who knows a thing or two about the music business – Queen guitarist and environmental campaigner Brian May.

His charity, Save Me, has donated a signed sweatshirt, to be auctioned on Ebay, to also raise funds for the St John The Baptist Church Bells Restoration Fund.

Bere Regis Community School pupils recorded The Bells of Bere Regis, and the New Woodland Song, for the CD called From Little Acorns: Songs to Celebrate Renewal.

It will be launched at the village’s Lower Drax Hall, North Street, in early February.

Local songwriter Linda Lamon, who wrote the compositions, explained: “The children at Bere Regis Community School recorded the songs to support separate events aimed at securing the heritage of their village.

“The pupils, aged five to 11, sing in the choruses of The Bells of Bere Regis and the New Woodland Song.

“They are being released on a CD to help raise funds for the St John The Baptist Church Bells Restoration Fund, as 100,000 native trees are being planted in the surrounding woodland.”

The children performed alongside the Bere Regis Pop-In Singers and Purbeck musicians Pip Evans, Callum Gibson, David George and Lynton Guest.

Linda said: “There will also be refreshments and a raffle at the CD launch. Video footage and pictures will be on display from the tree planting day in nearby Shitterton, where some of the pupils performed the New Woodland Song live after the land owner, Mr Brian May, officially opened the event.”

From Little Acorns CD, costing £3.50, will be launched on February 2, from 2pm to 5pm.