A GROUP of primary school children was delighted when a member of The Drifters came on over to their place.

Michael Williams dropped in for rehearsals with children at Hapton Primary School before they take to the stage with the band next month.

The school’s Glee Club has been asked to sing on the final two songs when The Drifters perform at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

Headteacher Jacquie Clarke said the band members had invited schools to join them on every leg of their tour.

She said: “They sent an email out and we were the first to respond.

“They have been inviting local schools to perform on stage with them at every performance.

“But I think we are the first school to sing Christmas carols. Michael did a few workshops with the kids and they did some rehearsals.

“He was very impressed with the children’s singing. He said it was the best school he had been to.”

Miss Clarke said the whole school had been very excited by Mr Williams’s visit.

She said: “The staff and teachers were all really excited. The children didn’t really know who he was before, but now they love it.

“They are all walking around singing The Drifters songs.”

Miss Clarke said the visit came as the children were doing a project about the music business.

She said: “It isn’t all like the X Factor, but people don’t see that side. The Glee Club has been running for 12 months. It replaced the choir and the children have embraced it.”

The club will perform with the band on November 3.

A phenomenal career in music

  • The Drifters were formed 59 years ago by George Treadwell and Ahmet Ertegun – the founder of Atlantic Records.
  • Since their creation the band has featured over 65 vocalists, including icons such as Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King (right) and Johnny Moore.
  • The Drifters have sold 214 million singles and 114 million albums worldwide.
  • Hits included Under The Boardwalk, Saturday Night At The Movies and Come On Over to My Place.
  • They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 in recognition of their global success spanning almost six decades.
  • The Drifters performed to over 100,000 people in the UK last year.
  • The group performs a song in the language of every country they visit on tour.
  • 2013 is the 60th anniversary of the group. The year will be marked by the release of material across the world and a 60th anniversary world tour.