A GROUP of songwriting youngsters from across Gwent cut their own CD in a recording studio - with a bit of help from some Newport students.

The six youngsters, aged eight to 11, wrote their song 'Make My Day' at the New Leaf community-based literacy group.

The group meets in Maindy Library every Tuesday and provides support for adults and children with a range of reading and writing problems.

The youngsters went to Whiteoak recording studios in Crickhowell to lay the tracks for their CD, aided by a lecturer and students from the University of Wales College, Newport (UWCN).

"The children created the song with the help of professional songwriter Jay Ryan and several students from the university who are training to be teachers," said Caroline McLachlan, a senior lecturer at UWCN's School of Education.

"They have got so much out of this project - it's been a fun and effective way to teach writing and reading skills."

Leah Morgan, aged 11, from Malpas, said: "It was very exciting singing into the microphone, and I was really proud when they suggested putting my voice on the main part of recording.

"My ambition is to be a songwriter. I'm always writing songs, and I've got a big book full of song ideas and lyrics."