MUSIC was in the air at the launch of a new CD aimed at boosting the funds of West Somerset's play and learning charity CLOWNS.

Parents, grandparents, carers and families joined together to produce the compilation of 22 nursery rhymes which has gone on sale to raise money to help keep the distinctive CLOWNS playbus on the road.

The idea was the brainchild of Wheddon Cross mum and CLOWNS supporter Ema Rowe.

"One day in early summer after a very loud singsong someone joked that we should make a CD," said Ema.

From that seed of comment, a room at the Moorland Hall in Wheddon Cross was converted into a temporary recording studio.

"And with added musical accompaniment and enthusiastic singers, we ended up with a brilliant CD," said Ema.

Even pupils from nearby Cutcombe First School - many of whom could remember the playbus from their pre-school days - joined in the recording session.

The launch event, which included a bouncy castle for youngsters and party food, gave all the singers the chance to hear the results of their efforts for the first time.

CLOWNS spokesman Kathy Morton said: "It was a noisy event."

She added: "We are very grateful to everyone who gave up their time to help put the CD together and are enormously proud of the children who sung so beautifully."

The CD is available, priced £5, from CLOWNS on 01643 707190 or from Ema on 01643 851557.

Ema is pictured at the launch with some of the young singers.

Photo: Steve Guscott