The Heart Research UK charity is asking teachers and pupils to give voice to their favourite songs for its annual “Sing for your Heart” week, from December 8-15.

Now in its sixth year, the event aims to encourage people to give their heart and lungs a good workout while raising money for pioneering research into heart disease.

“Singing has great physical and psychological effects: it exercises the lungs, oxygenates the blood, gives the abdominal and intercostal muscles a workout, improves posture and releases muscle tension,” said a spokesperson for Heart Research UK.

Those who choose to support “Sing for your Heart” can take part in a “battle of the bands”, “X Factor”-style competition, or even a pupil- versus-teacher “sing-off”.

To request a free fundraising pack or chat with a member of the charity’s team, telephone 0113 234 7474.

www.heartresearch.org.uk.