CHILDREN from Royston got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform at the Royal Albert Hall when they took part in a charity concert.

The 80-strong choir, made up of year five and six pupils from Roysia Middle School, in Burns Road, joined 30 other schools for the Barnados Concert, which raised over �20,000 for the childrens charity.

Amanda Mitchell, Leader of Music at Roysia, said: “Our children were incredible. They worked really hard to prepare for the day and I feel very proud of what they have achieved.

“It is wonderful to see Roysia children using their talents to help raise money for such a worthwhile charity.”

After several weeks preparation in school, the choir joined in a whole day of rehearsing with renowned conductor Susannah Edom-Baker before performing to a packed audience which included 100 friends and family members who had travelled up from Crow country.

The programme featured everything from Disney classics to popular songs and culminated with pupils creating a spectacular version of the flag-waving, iconic, Last Night of the Proms anthem Land of Hope and Glory.

It was a particularly special occasion for three pupils, Joshua Moriarty, Tabitha Day and Heleana Meehan, who were chosen as soloists.

George Dear, nine, a member of the Choir described the day as “magical”. He said: “I’m glad I went because I may never get that experience ever again.”

Class mate Sophie Bender, also nine, said: “I had a wonderful time and I will treasure the memory forever”.