KELSANG Pawo is a nomadic Buddhist monk with a dream of entering the Guinness Book of World Records - with the help of Arsenal.

Born in Green Lanes, a stones throw away from the old Highbury Stadium, Kelsang grew up in the borough before joining the Merchant Navy at the age of 16 where, during his travels, he became interested in Buddhism.

He said: "I met so many interesting people in Japan that it sparked my interest. I became a Buddhist and have called the sky my home ever since. When you do something new you hear about interesting people. Instead of reading about them I sought them out travelling the world."

Kelsang, 67, who set up The Gesar Foundation for Children charity, is back in Islington with one goal in mind. He has helped writte a song for children called The Wish Fulfilling Tree and hopes to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the most recorded song of all time.

He has already convinced Italian tenors, Aborigines, choirs and street buskers to record their versions.

Now he is approaching Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, himself a friend of the organisation, in the hope that the club will put an appeal in the match magazine for fans to come forward with their versions.

He said: "With Islington being such a multicultural place, we have the potential for Arsenal fans from all backgrounds making all sorts of versions of the anthem.

"When it is successful I also plan to travel to Italy and Spain to ask both the Milan clubs and Madrid clubs to do the same.

"It would also be great to get some of the players involved, particularly if there are any musicians among them."

All funds raised from the recordings will go to the Gesar Foundation but Kelsang claims that money is not the aim. He said: "The point is being kind. We want to take some of the pressure off organisations doing good work in war-torn countries.