WHILE many performers start off small with their first gig, pupils at one Rossendale school will make their singing debut at one of the country’s biggest stadiums in front of thousands of cricket fans and millions of TV viewers.

International opera star Sean Ruane has been coaching Fearns Community Sports College choir in preparation for their big day on June 23.

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The choir, made up of talented singers in Years Seven to 10, will sing Clean Bandit’s anthem Rather Be and a specially-composed medley at the England v New Zealand T20 match at Old Trafford.

Pupil Dante Whyte, 14, said: “I like singing and when I was told about the choir I was intrigued so I joined.

“I am looking forward to performing and would like to see how good we can become.”

Fifteen-year-old Natasha Leighton said: “I am scared about performing in front of so many people but it will help me to prepare for my piano performance for my BTEC music exams.”

Temporary head of performing arts Tracy Ward is pleased with how well the school’s choir is shaping up and is adding extra practice sessions over lunchtimes.

“It is good for the pupils to be given this opportunity, especially ones who have not done extracurricular music activities before.”

Bacup-born Mr Ruane offered pupils the chance to perform through his company which encourages children to sing at sporting occasions.