YOUNGSTERS touched by the plight of Afghan refugees have recorded a CD as a tribute.

Students at Springwell Dene School, in Plains Farm, Sunderland, wrote Footprints in the Sky after hearing of the situation in the war-torn country.

They devised the CD at an after-school club after attending music lessons at Barbara Priestman School and gaining skills and confidence.

Money raised from its sale will help those in need in countries, including Afghanistan.

The year eight and nine students involved in the project all suffer from emotional and behavioural problems. They were helped by school counsellor Guiseppe Furno, who booked a recording studio for them to use.

Sue Stafford, an administration and curriculum support worker, said: "We started taking some kids down to Barbara Priestman in September, then we set the music club up in October.

"This is a great achievement for our students in this short period of time. They have worked very hard and the whole thing has been a great experience.

"It's a great song, with a catchy tune and really meaningful lyrics, and the students hope to raise lots of money from it.