Sir Edward Elgar was the son of a music shop owner

They are performing 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 Sargent Cancer Care for Children's music therapy programme will benefit.

The "Elgarthon" should also help secure the future of The Elgar Birthplace, at Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.

The Elgar Birthplace (is) a hub for musical education at many levels Dame Janet Baker, The Elgar Foundation

Children from across the country will participate in the event, starting on Monday, which is part of the Coins 4 Notes appeal operated by The Elgar Foundation and the cancer charity.

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

After completion of Pomp and Circumstance and the section that was to become Land of Hope and Glory, he reportedly said: "I've got a tune that will knock 'em - knock 'em flat! ... a tune like that comes once in a lifetime."

Dame Janet Baker, president of The Elgar Foundation, said many of the 2,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year are denied the therapeutic benefits music and performing can bring.

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

"These range from the provision of educational activities for young children to access to unique material for academic research.

"It receives no revenue support from government and is entirely reliant on external funding. It is now in critical need of funds to continue its work."