THIS week's school report celebrates the work of St Barnabas CE Primary Academy in Darwen, and the musical success pupils have been having.

The school choir, made up of children from across year three to six, took part in the Last Choir Singing competition for the first time this year and were over the moon to win their heat to get through to the grand final.

At the final at King George’s Hall in Blackburn they performed a set song and a song that the children chose, which was This is Me from the film The Greatest Showman.

Deputy headteacher Becky Ham, who leads the choir, said the students were overwhelmed to pick up two awards at the event.

Judges praised the students for their stage presence, expressive faces, enthusiasm and passion and one said they 'were a very talented choir with very good artistry.’

They picked up two trophies for best newcomer and best artistic expression along with two cheques totalling £500 to spend on music resources from Reidys Home of Music in Blackburn.

Throughout the year the choir have been invited to perform at lots of different events and venues including King George's Hall, Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackburn Cathedral and Whalley Abbey.

Mrs Ham praised the work of all the pupils who have been involved with the choir and the benefits it has brought to them.

She said: "When they performed they included actions and brought lots of energy and passion to their performances.

"It is a great way to develop the children’s confidence and it is wonderful to see them blossom and grow.

"The choir love bringing pleasure to others through their singing and performing for others they get a great deal of enjoyment from it too.

"All of the children have a lot of fun in choir and they think of each other as family."

She also praised the supportive parents who attend the event with their children.

This year the choir has sang regularly at services for events such as Mother’s Day, Harvest and Remembrance Day.

They were also recently invited as one of only two other Lancashire schools to sing at the Lancashire Commonwealth Celebration.

Singing at their local dementia group’s Christmas party was also one of the highlights of their year, the pupils said.

The school choir is also looking forward to playing with the Halle orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and performing at the Sing Together concert organised by Blackburn Cathedral at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.