FETES, concerts and sponsored walks have long been a tried and tested way for schools to raise funds.

But the headteacher at St James’ First School in Alderholt has instead written and recorded a song, which he hopes will be propelled into the iTunes charts to help raise £30,000 for a new computer suite this year.

Head Andy Poole wrote Electricity and directed 120 pupils past and present, parents and teachers as they recorded it at BTS studios in Fordingbridge.

The song is part of the school’s 30-4-30 campaign to raise funds for 30 computers during the school’s 30th anniversary year.

The idea was the brainchild of Jonathan Paterson, vice-chairman of the governors, after watching Mr Poole in concert.

Mr Paterson said: “I was so impressed with the talent of Mr Poole that I suggested that we create and record a song that the whole school can be involved in, to sell on iTunes.

“The computers at the school just do not work. The server more often than not doesn’t work and when it does it is very slow. So we hope that the song will do well in the charts and we can raise the money we need.

“The song Electricity is very catchy and has a strong melody.

“Being able to do this is empowering and the school is passionate about it. It is not just good for our school and our community but it can help empower other schools in other communities.”

The Journal spoke to four soloists before it was time to record the song, all of whom said they were “very nervous but terribly excited” at their brush with fame.

And all of them said they wanted to go on to be pop stars.