Pop tot band launch charity record

The girls got together earlier this year

A group of schoolgirls who have their sights set on chart domination have released a charity record as their debut single.

The multi-cultural band, called Shades, is made up of six friends from south Wales, aged 11 and 12.

We practised the song and, a week later, did it in the studio

Sherrise Stroud

Their song, We Are The Future, went on sale on Monday.

Proceeds will be split between two charities - the BBC's Children in Need appeal and Dolen Cymru - the Wales Lesotho appeal.

The pop wannabes are Sherrise Stroud, Kerry Davies, Bianca Ali - from Canton in Cardiff, Stephanie Fitzgerald, from Thornhill, Becky Bevan, from Maindy and Carys Speake, from Caerphilly.

"We hope to raise enough money for charity to get noticed," said 12-year-old Sherrise Stroud.

Sherrise said the girls planned to release further singles, and saw current chart-toppers S Club Juniors as their competition.

So far, their route into the pop world has been a whirlwind, after they were brought together by talent group Music Wales.

S Club Juniors: Rivals for the charts

"We met in a competition a few months ago," said Sherrise.

"We were asked if we wanted to get together to be in a band and we agreed."

And just weeks later, they had a song to perform.

"We practised the song and, a week later, did it in the studio."

The speed of the process has heightened the girls' enthusiasm.

"We are really excited," she added.

'Strong message'

The song is an original by Cardiff writer Paul Weston and has been recorded at the Shabbey Road studios in Caerphilly.

Mr Weston said he was inspired to write the song after meeting the girls.

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"It tells the story of how the adults of the world have created all kinds of problems which have been left to our children to resolve," he said.

"It's a strong message that we hope will be a global number one."

The group has already performed the song in public.

The performance was the finale of a Music Wales show in Port Talbot in September, where Shades were backed by more than 200 other cast members.

As well as supporting Children in Need, the single will also help raise money for the African nation of Lesotho.

Dolen Cymru Director Dyfan Jones said: "Thousands of children have learnt about Lesotho in schools in Wales.

"Our friends in Lesotho are now in need of help and hope the people of Wales will respond by raising £50,000."