CHILDREN at an Oxford school were gifted with a trip 'they will never forget' thanks to a community push to pay for transport.

Pupils at St Francis CE Primary School in Cowley got to go to Wembley Stadium and sing as part of a school concert called Voice in a Million.

The gig was staged at the end of March and saw about 6,000 schoolchildren take part nationwide, uniting for a mass singalong in celebration of the annual event's 10th anniversary.

St Francis pupils were able to attend thanks to a £600 donation from Cowley-based business Unipart, which covered the cost of a bus to transport 28 pupils and about 10 teachers to the venue.

The school's headteacher Fleur Belcher described the experience as a 'magnificent trip.'

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She said: "As a school, St Francis is always looking for ways to enrich children’s lives and to provide them with immersive experiences that will last a lifetime.

"[These are] experiences that they can take with them into the future and provide the self-esteem, confidence and resilience that will carry them through.

"When the opportunity to be a part of Voice In A Million came up, it was essential that everyone had the chance to attend.

"After all, this was a day never to be forgotten for the children of St Francis."

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Pupils proudly represent their school at Wembley

She credited parents for 'rallying round' to secure funding for the transport, ringing round local businesses to appeal for donations.

Logistics company Unipart, based in Garsington Road, responded to their appeal and has been credited for playing a crucial role in the trip's success.

Mrs Belcher said: "We are a school but at the heart of all that we do, we are a family - a school rooted in positive relationships and equal opportunities for all.

"The families of St Francis got together and found a way to enable all of us to attend, they rallied round and called for support and Unipart agreed to fund the whole event.

"Thank you Unipart for transforming the children of St Francis’ lives."

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More than two dozen children from years 4, 5 and 6 got to go to Voice In A Million concert, which raises awareness of the importance of fostering and adoption.

School choirs sat in the arena in tiered galleries, performing a set list of songs together.

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Pupils ready to perform at Wembley

Three children from St Francis were chosen to join several hundred pupils on stage as a smaller choir, singing lead vocals and additional harmonies, and proudly held a St Francis banner.

Claire Haynes, chair of the school's PTA, helped to organise the trip and said her daughter had a 'lovely' time.

The Cowley mother said: "We've never been able to do this before, so for this to happen is a blessing."

The school choir ended the term on another high, performing on Friday at the St Francis Easter fundraiser and bonnet parade.