African Choir beaten by health and safety law

Gareth Balch, principal of Jubilee High School is taking fundraising into his own hands and plans to cycle around the Isle of Wight, and is calling on parents and friends of the school to help.

He said: "Sadly our developing culture of health and safety, and the new child protection has led to the cancellation of the African Children's Choir tour.

"Unfortunately the charities behind the group, the Molly and Paul Foundation and the Pearl of Africa Children's Choir Charity, faced a huge demand for CRB checks of every adult who might come into contact with the choir members.

"The bill was estimated at £18,000, which the charities could not afford, so the visas were refused, but only after they had already been paid for.

"My thanks go to a group of parents who have made a suggestion to support the choir with suitable presents which can be boxed up and sent to Uganda.

"And as well as me cycling around the Isle of Wight, and aiming to raise £100 by doing so, we are looking for 99 more adults to pledge to raise £100 each to help the choir.

"My hope is that we can raise the money to help bring the choir to England later this year."

Mr Balch has already placed a box in reception for donations of gifts, including pen sets, maths sets, calculators, glasses and writing books.

Anyone interested in helping out should contact the school directly on 01932 884 800.