Writer has chart hope with school

The composer who wrote a Christmas number one for Cliff Richard is hoping to get schoolchildren from South Staffordshire into the charts.

Chris Eaton, who lives in Kinver, has spent four months working with primary schools in Wombourne to create a charity album of songs he co-wrote with the children.

The 49-year-old penned Sir Cliff's Christmas hit Saviour's Day in 1981 and told the Express & Star he is writing another one for the pop veteran's 50th anniversary later this year.

Amy Grant's 1992 hit Breath of Heaven, which Chris wrote, ended up on American pop singer-turned-actress Jessica Simpson's album Rejoyce in 2004.

He has turned his skills to helping youngsters in Wombourne come up with their own songs about life at school and they have released 1,000 copies of a CD in aid of Barnados.

The CD was unveiled at a performance by 300 youngsters at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre yesterday.

Children from St Benedict Biscop, Westfield, All Saints, St Bernadette's, Bhylls Acre and Blakely Heath primary schools sang the songs alongside dance and music performances from Ounsdale High School, whose assistant head teacher Sue Hodgetts organised the project.

One of the songs, You Are Never Alone, could be released as a single in time for Christmas.

Chris said: "There are plans afoot to get it on sale and we hope we can release it for Christmas. It would be fantastic if Wombourne could go to number one.

"I've never done anything like this before but I've really enjoyed working with the children. They have come up with superb lyrics.

"The songs are all about friendship, having fun and welcoming people into their schools.

"I'm working with Cliff Richard again at the moment on a song for his 50th anniversary."

The CD, Hope Is Our Melody, costs £5 and is available from Ounsdale High School on 01902 892178.