A choir of Teesside schoolchildren who beat 10,000 entries to win a national singing competition have performed alongside Katherine Jenkins OBE at Disneyland Paris.
The 32 pupils from The Avenue Primary School in Middlesbrough travelled to the theme park with their parents and siblings after winning the national contest.
Wearing official Disney cloaks, which they were allowed to keep as mementos, the children performed their winning rendition of Let It Go with the internationally renowned singer in front of the park’s new World of Frozen attraction.
Tess, a Year 6 pupil, said: “Visiting Disneyland and meeting Katherine was the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“She is really kind and pretty, and we all sounded wonderful singing together.”
Head of School James Hunter said: “To stand there, sharing that moment with parents, carers, and siblings of the performers will live long in the memory.
“The children sounded beautiful and there was not a dry eye in Arrendelle as the children sang.
“It is hard to believe that a little school from Middlesbrough has won a national competition and then gone on to do this. What an honour it is to do this job.”
Nick Blackburn, chief executive of the Lingfield Education Trust, added: “One of the key lessons we try to instil in our pupils across the Trust is to aim high, and believe that they can achieve great things.
“Not only did they have the belief and ambition to beat 10,000 entries, but by performing with a world-famous singer in a world-famous venue, they’ve now accomplished something truly remarkable.
“We’re incredibly proud of all of them, and of the dedicated school staff who made this dream a reality.”
During the trip, the children also explored the Disneyland Paris parks, enjoyed the rides and attractions, and met a Disney Imagineer during a special meal.
Each pupil was able to bring members of their family to watch the performance and enjoy the visit.
Mum Michelle Wilson said: “As parents, we were so impressed with how the school organised everything and made this happen for the children.
“It was an amazing trip – what a way for them to end their school year! They are incredibly lucky.”
Sam, a Year 5 pupil, summed up the experience, saying: “It’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
