INTERNATIONAL students joined the ranks of musicians performing the music of The Beatles in a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The nine students, from Indonesia, Nepal, India, Bhutan and the Tibetan communities in exile, performed three songs on stage at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings.

They all attend Pestalozzi International Village Trust in Sedlescombe, near Hastings

Indonesian student and lead guitarist Mario Manalu said: “Our band is called Pestalozzi Pirates.

“We started practising seven months ago.

“At that point some of us had never even played a guitar at that time while some knew a few chords.

“We’ve practised every week since then and with the help of some great tutors and mentors, Stewart and Louisa Patient, we’ve encouraged each other to keep on improving.

“We learned how to play Nowhere Man, Obladi-Oblada, Till There Was You, and Hey Jude.

“When we finished our performance, the audience gave us standing applause.

“It was truly an amazing experience.”

Mentor Stewart Patient described the young people as inspirational.

He said: “They work so hard and take nothing for granted.

“Louisa and I really look forward to our sessions with them each week and this year’s performance was magical.”

Pestalozzi provides educational opportunities for 16-19 year-olds from some of the world’s poorest communities with the aim of helping them to make a positive difference in the world.

Susan Walton, chief executive, said: “All of our students take part in a wide range of events in the local community and they are proud to be contributing to an event which raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

A staggering £26,944.46 was raised at this year’s Beatles Day.

Musicians give their time and talents free of charge so that all profits can go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity provides practical, medical and financial support and also pushes for better cancer care.

Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same.

Its research helps everyone to understand the needs, numbers and experiences of people affected by cancer to develop and influence better care and services.