A group of school children hit the right note when they became record breakers at the Royal Albert Hall.

The year five pupils from Roysia Middle School in Royston took part in the Barnardo’s Young Supporters’ Concert at the world-famous venue earlier this month.

They were part of an ensemble of 3,081 youngsters who became the largest ensemble of ocarina players in the world, smashing the previous record of 831, set in China three years ago.

Ocarinas are small wind instruments, and the pupils took part in a seven-minute performance of Ode to a Joyful New Star, arranged and conducted by composer Douglas Coombes MBE.

Music Subject Leader, Amanda Mitchell said: “We have some incredibly talented children in our school who worked extremely hard to prepare for the

concert and world record attempt. I am so proud of what they have achieved”.

An audience of parents and friends supported the children, while six designs created by Roysia children featured in the concert programme. As well as Ode to a Joyful Star, the choir played other pieces, including a sea-themed song and a tribute to The Beatles.

Roysia head teacher Zoe Linington said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Roysia pupils, not only to sing on the stage in The Royal Albert Hall but also to take part in a record-breaking attempt and succeed! The pupils were so excited - I was so very proud of them all.”