PUPILS at Highfurlong School (pictured) have great memories of the fourth annual Special Schools Music Festival -- especially getting their "paws" on a £200 cheque.

The Blackpool school was among six which took part in the event held at Ribby Hall earlier this month by performing their version of Cats.

Sponsored by Bentley Higgs Estate Agents, the music festival also featured songs, dances and instrumentals by pupils from Red Marsh School, Great Arley, Park School, Pear Tree School in Kirkham and Woodlands.

And the Blackpool estate agents went on to donate £200 to each school taking part for them to spend on musical instruments.

Music teacher at Highfurlong, Howard Morgan, explained how -- despite the vast amount of organisation needed by all the schools -- it was one of the highlights of the year for both him and the children.

"It was a truly fantastic day," he said. "It is a bit of a logistical nightmare getting all the day-care nurses, wheelchairs and coaches organised, but it is a fantastic opportunity for the children to get to mingle. "In fact, we were a bit spoilt by Bentley Higgs this year.

"Normally we would perform at one of the schools but this year, to mark the millennium, they took us all the way to Ribby Hall, which was a fantastic venue.

"The performances were so good and it is great to see the children get a chance to show off their musical skills."

The concert started with and introduction by the Park School band, followed by folk songs, instrumental and keyboard solos from the children of Great Arley, Thornton.

Highfurlong then performed their version of Cats followed by the Park School's African-themed music.

Pear Tree School presented a millennium mixture of the William Tell Overture, Angels and Hail Millennium.

Woodlands School then performed "a further taste of Africa" before Red Marsh school brought the main programme to a close with a selection of French songs and music.