HUNDREDS of young voices across the North-East will raise the roof in a nationwide simultaneous singalong today.

As part of a charity world record bid, it is hoped that more than 100,000 young people will perform a specially-written song in unison.

Pupils at participating schools in the region are primed to begin their rendition of Tell Me Why at precisely 2.45pm, connecting via video and radio link with counterparts across the country and at a concert in Ulster.

Young singing star Declan Galbraith will perform the song live at Belfast's Odyssey Arena.

The event has been put together by the organisers of last year's Young Voices, which successfully broke the record for the world's largest choir when 6,846 children sang together at Manchester's MEN Arena.

Sponsorship raised from the Simultaneous Sing 2002 will go to the national charity Sargent Cancer Care.

Proceeds will back the charity's 100-strong team of care professionals based at treatment centres across the country. It also provides families with practical and financial support, together with short breaks during or after treatment.

Among those taking part today are Wolsingham School and Community College, in Weardale; Barley Mow Primary and Park View Community schools, in Chester-le-Street; Cockerton CE Primary, in Darlington; St Francis CE Juniors, in Newton Aycliffe; Oxclose Primary, in Spennymoor; plus Greenland Juniors, Harelaw Special and Tanfield Comprehensive schools, in the Stanley area of north-west Durham.