COUNTY pupils joined a 6,000-strong children’s choir at London’s O2 arena.

Children from St Joseph’s Primary School in Headington, Oxford, and Northbourne Primary School in Didcot took part in the Young Voices concert on Tuesday.

St Joseph’s music teacher Edwina Vernon said: “The children were extremely excited. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to get to see London and sing in such a big arena.”

The 74 children from Years Three to Six, had been learning songs since September, including a Michael Jackson medley and songs from the hit TV show Glee.

Miss Vernon added: “They have all worked incredibly hard to learn all the music.

“We couldn’t wait to start singing. Lots of parents came along too, so it was an exciting trip for the whole school.”

Year Six pupil Catherine Kay, 11, from Headington, said: “I really enjoyed it and I liked everything in the concert, just singing with everyone.

“We’ve been practising every week, which has been hard work. But my parents came along and said it was amazing.”

Fellow pupil Luke Martin, also 11, from Summertown, said: “I loved the atmosphere when all the crowd were singing together.

“My parents and my brother came along and said it was really fun, especially when they got to join in with some songs.”

Pupils in Didcot were just as excited.

Northbourne music teacher Esther Holloway said she had been coaching 36 pupils aged six to 11 to take part.

Miss Holloway, 28, added: “We thought it would be a great opportunity for our children.

“We hired a 70-seater coach and parents came along to support their children on the night.”

Jon Driscoll, 39, of Loyd Road, Didcot, attended the concert with daughter Isabel, seven. He said: “It was a fabulous experience which the children will no doubt remember for the rest of their lives.”

Young Voices supports the CLIC Sargent charity.