WHEN school music group Maestoso decided to go busking for charity they never imagined they'd end up meeting Rod Stewart.

WHEN school music group Maestoso decided to go busking for charity they never imagined they'd end up meeting Rod Stewart.

But the music-mad youngsters from Williamwood High School in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, were honoured by rocker Rod at a glittering bash in London.

Maestoso decided to support Cancer Research UK through a Busking Cancer event.

And thanks to their £4000 fundraising efforts, they were named Busking Cancer 2008 Champions and presented with an award by Rod.

Rod - who beat thyroid cancer in 2000 - told the excited youngsters: "Well done for raising so much money for such a great cause."

Music teacher Stephen West, who accompanied the children to London, said: "The children were really amazed they were named champions and were absolutely buzzing after meeting Rod."

Headmaster John Fitzpatrick said: "The children in Maestoso organised busking sessions, but lots of other pupils got involved too, with fundraising events including packing bags at a local superstore and selling home baking."

As well as Rod, the children also met Madness frontman Suggs, Skye Edwards (ex-Morcheeba), former Sugababe Mutya Buena, soul singer Zarif, the Charlie Rivers Band and The Feeling.