YOUNGSTERS have launched a bid to become charttoppers this Christmas.

Pupils from St Philip’s Primary School in Atherton are going head-to-head with X Factor winner Matt Cardle in the battle for the festive number one slot.

But the youngsters need the help of readers’ to achieve their goal.

The children have had a song professionally recorded and made a video to go with it.

All 250 children have recorded the charity Christmas song which they are hoping to get into the singles charts.

This Christmas was written by parent Sean Halliwell, who enjoys writing songs, for the school as part of a fun festive fundraising campaign.

It is now ready to download, or buy as a single. There is a video accompanying the song.

Headteacher Gill Burrow said: “The children have been very excited about recording a Christmas song.

“They picked it up quite quickly and it took about three weeks to rehearse and record.”

“A DVD featuring the children singing has also been recorded.”

Proceeds from the single will be split between school’s funds and Derian house children’s hospice in Chorley.

Youngsters are now appealing for people to download the song from iTunes.

Sam Boulger, aged nine, said: “It has been lots of fun recording the song and it would be really good to get into the charts.

“The song is also for charity, which is good.”

He added: “Please download the song, it’s brill.”

Ashleigh Bacon, aged 10, said: “The whole school took part and we all had a lot of fun.

“I think people will really enjoy the song and the DVD which we recorded in a teacher’s house.”

The link to iTunes can be found on the school’s website saintphilips.wigan.sch.uk.

Click here to play the tune