THOUSANDS of school children across Britain are expected to don Elgar-style moustaches this week in what is hoped will be a record-breaking event.

Pupils will give renditions of Land of Hope and Glory in a bid to become the largest number of young people to sing the same piece of music in one week.

The event, which starts today, is part of the national Coins 4 Notes appeal.

This aims to raise £1.5m for Sargent Cancer Care for Children and to help secure the future of The Elgar Birthplace project, at Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.

Dame Janet Baker, president of The Elgar Foundation, said the money for Sargent Cancer Care would go towards the charity's music therapy programme.

"The Coins 4 Notes appeal is principally for children, education and our musical heritage," she said.

"Many of the 2,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year are denied the therapeutic benefits music and performing can bring.

"Also, The Elgar Birthplace and its unique collection of material from the composer's life is not just an important national treasure, it is also a hub for musical education at many levels."

The son of a Worcester music shop owner, Elgar was born on June 2, 1857, at Lower Broadheath.

After completing Pomp and Circumstance, and the section that was to become Land of Hope and Glory, he reportedly proclaimed: "I've got a tune that will knock 'em flat."