Stalham Academy took a strong and vibrant choir to perform in the 39th Gorleston Music Festival.

Performing a fantastic rendition of Abba's Waterloo and also a superb performance of Drive my Car by the Beatles, they competed against other north Norfolk school choirs in two different classes - unison and two part songs.

The judges commented on their pure enjoyment and ability to sing to a high standard in unison and also creating harmonies.

Music teacher Raoul Crane has been working hard with the choir this term to get them to the required standard for the festival.

Last year the school sang at St Andrew's Hall for Norwich Music Festival and decided this year to perform at Gorleston to support its 39th year.

Mr Crane said: 'I'm so proud of our school choir, they always put in 100pc effort.

'Their commitment and dedication is first class. I work them hard through the year with complicated rhythms and melodies and performing to an audience is what it is all about at the end of the day.

'The music festivals we attend allow the children to show off their skills and obtain confidence in performing, which is so important for a school choir.'

He added: 'The Gorleston Music Festival was a great success for Stalham Academy Choir and the children are looking forward to attending again next year. Well done choir, you are all stars.'

The choir was awarded a distinction and commendation for their two performances by judges.

Lead teacher Deborah Gillespie said: 'It was an enriching experience for our pupils to firstly perform to a large, anticipated audience but also to enjoy and appreciate the other choirs and their very individual performances.

'It was also great to see so many parents and carers that came to support the children and Stalham at this event. A real example of everyone playing their part in achieving excellence at Stalham.'