IN LIGHT of recent events in London and around the world the message of peace could never be more important than it is now. But one woman wants to take it one step further by forming a children's universal peace choir.

Laurene O'Medal, from High Wycombe, is an established singer/songwriter who wants to spread the message of peace, but instead of just talking about how she feels and what should be done, she is hoping her concept of a children's universal peace choir will help others understand why friendship in the world is so important.

The singer/songwriter has already released a peace song called Weave Me A Dream.

She is now hoping to get local celebrities to give their backing to her choir by offering to be patrons as well as iconic peace giants. She has written to Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan hoping for their support.

She says: "Originally it was just going to be a song for peace, but now it's going to be a universal peace choir made up of children from all backgrounds and faiths.

"It's very easy now to turn your back on all the bad things that are happening but deep down I am sure we all want peace."

Dublin-born Laurene is Jewish and grew up in Israel. She lived in a country under the constant threat of terrorists. Her talent for singing allowed her to escape from the horrors she witnessed, and she went on to became a soloist in a children's choir in Israel.

Now, at the age of 37, with a couple of albums under her belt, Laurene believes a children's universal peace choir can help relay the message of peace by releasing a song in the charts and visiting other countries around the world.

But before she can do that, she needs to find members of the local community to join her choir to take part in the first challenge for the group which will be to perform in a competition called The Beacon Baftas in September this year.

She adds: "I would like to get something ready for the Beacon Baftas and that's where the children's universal peace choir is starting from. We will perform at the Beacon Baftas and try and go for an award, and then our next step will be to make a peace song into a single to get into the charts.

"It's going to be done in a very commercial way so the children will enjoy singing it, and hopefully it will be an instant hit."

Laurene is calling on children from all communities aged from six to 18 to join her choir, but particularly members of the Muslim community.

She says: "I am looking for Muslim children to take part in this as I really want them to be a part of the peace message."

Laurene has already been given a song for the choir to sing which she is getting translated into Hebrew and Arabic as well as other languages.

She is also looking for musical directors, teachers and musicians to help with the project.

The first rehearsal is this Saturday at the Beacon Theatre in Beaconsfield from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and then every Saturday until the day of the BAFTAS on September 24.

For more information about the childrens' universal peace choir or if you think you can be of any assistance to the project call Laurene on 01494 446790 or email laurene@omedal.freeserve.co.uk