CHILDREN in Pendle are set to work with one of the country’s top composers as part of the build-up to the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

Local hero Wallace Hartley, who was born in Colne, was famed for leading the Titanic band and making sure the musicians continued to play as the ship sank.

Now composer David Bedford, who has worked with Madness, Elvis Costello and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, will be visiting schools in the area with the Lancashire Sinfonietta orchestra, to re-enact the music played on the famous ship.

Children from primary school key stage 2 and high school key stage 3 will have the chance watch the sinfonietta perform a composition of music called ‘The Wreck of the Titanic’, that David is currently putting the finishing touches to.

The composition will feature words from survivors’ accounts of the Titanic disaster and songs and instrumental pieces that were actually performed in the dining salon and on deck. The Lancashire sinfonietta will be recreating the line up of the Titanic band, and it is hoped that actors will also go into the schools to perform accounts of what it would have been like for passengers and crew members on board the ship.

The secondary school pupils will also get the chance to perform part of the composition.

Mr Bedford said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to compose a new work which can help young people create new music and understand the importance of this historical event to their area.

“I’m particularly delighted to be working alongside pupils and their dedicated music services teachers to make this new work come alive.”

Mr Hartley’s body was found in the sea still wearing his bandsman’s uniform and music box with his violin case strapped to his body.

Over 30,000 people attended his funeral and procession to Bethel Church, Colne, and a memorial statue of the bandmaster was put up in the centre of the town.Mr Bedford’s visits will culminate in a performance of the composition at the Guild Hall in Preston on Friday July 2, 2010 which the schools will be invited to attend.

In 2012, the centenary of the disaster, simultaneous performances of The Wreck of the Titanic, will be performed in Southampton, Cherbourg, and Cobh, Ireland – the three ports where Titanc passengers embarked.

And there will also be a performance in New York – the intended destination.