A PIANO teacher has gathered her pupils together for a Christmas carol concert and to give them a chance to perform for an audience for the first time.

Amanda Taylor, 25, has more than 20 pupils who she visits at their homes around Darlington after her day job as a teaching assistant at a primary school in Middlesbrough.

Fourteen of her pupils, ranging from a six-year-old to adults, performed Christmas carols and songs at a special recital at The Forum, in Borough Road, Darlington, in front of their family and friends.

Ms Taylor said: “I remember my first time performing in front of an audience when I was about six and Iwas really nervous. I thought it would be nice if everyone was in the same boat, performing for their families, and in time for Christmas.

“We had a lovely turnout of about 50 people and a sing song at the end.”