Children at a tiny primary school have won through to a national film awards competition and it’s all thanks to the tree at the heart of their community.

Pupils at Kirkby Fleetham CE Primary School, near Bedale, recorded a song written by their Deputy Head Teacher which has been chosen to compete in the national Smiley Charity Film Awards, and they’re hoping people will support them by voting in the competion.

The children’s song ‘Watch Us Grow’ was written by Deputy Head Kirsti-Anna-Hume, who was inspired by the children’s favourite tree in the village, used by the youngsters on a daily basis to play in.

The song was performed and professionally recorded and submitted for the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Kirsti said: “With less than 20 pupils, Kirkby Fleetham CE Primary is one of the smallest schools in North Yorkshire. However, this doesn’t stop those small children achieving huge things and they recently recorded the song which is inspired by the ‘play tree’ at the heart of the community.

“The song, and subsequent music video has made it into the national Smiley Charity Awards, where the children are hoping to share far and wide the story of this incredible little school and everything it stands for.

‘Its lyrics echo the hopes and dreams of the children who play in the tree before and after school every day. This was such a wonderful experience for our children. There might be very few of them, but they pack a mighty punch when they start to sing and there is rarely a dry eye in the house.” Year Five student Tilly Pitcher said: “We are so proud of our school, and want to tell everyone about how much we love it. Please watch our video and vote for us, it will make our Christmas wishes come true and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The song and video is in the name of the Friends of Kirkby Fleetham Primary School which supports the children, and works with the school and the community to provide activities, experiences and equipment through voluntary work and fundraising.

Last year they reached £5,000 for the first time and in the Smiley Charity Awards are in the £0 to £100,000 category. The last day for voting is January 10, 2023. Anybody wishing to support the school and the children search for the Friends of Kirkby Fleetham Primary School on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.