A CHILDREN’S choir helped to bring festive cheer to a North-East town when they performed at its Christmas lights switch-on.

The choir, from Mowden Junior School, entertained crowds in Darlington by singing Frosty the Snowman and the Calypso Carol on Thursday, November 28.

The 40-strong choir won a spot at the event after winning a singing contest last year, beating off competition from several other schools to secure their place on stage.

Deputy headteacher Mary Abbey praised the children – aged between six and 11 – for their hard work in preparing for the performance.

She said: “The event was amazing. The children were really nervous and shocked that they were going to sing on a stage in front of so many people.

“They sang really well and did not want to get off the stage by the end.

“It was a wonderful experience and one that we will all remember forever.”

This week, the choir competed to take part in next year’s festive celebrations by performing alongside five other schools in a competition held at St Cuthbert’s church in Darlington.

This year’s competition was won by a choir from Red Hall Primary School, which will perform at next year’s Christmas lights switch-on.