In 1978, the pupils from St Winifred's School in Stockport, Greater Manchester, provided the backing vocals to duo Brian and Michael for the single Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs.

The grown-up singers were performing at the country's biggest amateur choir competition at the Lowry Centre in the artist's home town of Salford.

Among those taking part were Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay who plays barmaid Shelley Unwin in the soap.

'Original choir'

The singers were also remembered for their Christmas number one There's No-one Quite Like Grandma in 1980.

Competition organisers Sainsbury's and website Friends Reunited had appealed to the choristers to get in touch and join with the 700 schoolchildren to perform the song with Brian and Michael at the centre, which houses Salford Council's collection of Lowry's works.

Sainsbury's Choir of the Year manager Sophie Balch said: "With more than 700 children singing at the Lowry Centre it offers a one-off opportunity to relive the Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs success.

"Having the original St Winifred's School choir makes it even better."