For pupils from Egerton are to record an ancient musical score to help their classmates across the Atlantic with their times tables.

Grandmother Dorothy Richardson had written to headmaster John Manning after reading about the 200-year-old technique on the Knutsford Guardian's Internet page.

The story told how a Multiplication Tables Set to Music - unearthed by Tatton Hall researcher David Gillan - was being re-recorded to teach pupils at Egerton.

Mrs Richardson, whose ancestors come from Knutsford, wrote asking for a copy of the tape for her seven young grandchildren. "If we can sing the ABC's, why not the times tables?" she wrote. "I think it's a wonderful idea and it would be fun to tell my grandchildren that their great, great grandparents in Knutsford probably sang the same song 200 years ago."

Mr Manning said yesterday (Tuesday): "I have written back already - and we are busy producing a new tape to send."

But the transatlantic connection doesn't end there.

Mrs Richardson has promised to send Egerton pupils information on the great Californian gold rush. "The children are fascinated that Mrs Richardson lives in Grizzly Bear Drive," said Mr Manning.

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