TWENTY primary school pupils performed for Prince Harry at an awards ceremony after winning a national singing competition.

Students at Broad Oak Community Primary School were guests at the 2017 Wellchild Awards on Monday, October 17, in London. The event recognises the courage of children living with serious illness and the medical professionals who care for them.

The school secured the chance to perform Over the Rainbow at the awards after receiving more than 1,000 votes in the singing competition.

They also gained the title WellChild School Choir of the Year.

The school originally recorded at SAE recording studio in Liverpool with the help of ukulele player and teacher Sean Moore. However, they performed the song live at the ceremony in the Royal Lancaster Hotel, where they met Prince Harry, who is a patron of the charity.

Headteacher Melanie Hignett said: “I am extremely proud of the children who

represented our Broad Oak family and St Helens exceptionally well.

“It was a privilege to support the charity and to meet Prince Harry in a once-in-a lifetime experience.”

The pupils also met Duncan Bannantyne from Dragons Den and the Mayor of Westminster.

WellChild chief executive Colin Dyer added: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for schools.

“They are helping WellChild to continue supporting a growing population of seriously ill children.

“A huge congratulations to Broad Oak School.”

The school beat nine other finalists in the public vote and impressed the panel of musical experts and celebrities, including professional classical singers Laura Wright and David Webb.

After finding out they have won the award their teacher Sean Moore said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the WellChild national singing competition.

“Our children work incredibly hard, have shown off their amazing talents.”

n To watch their winning audition video visit Broad Oak Community Primary School on YouTube.