PUPILS hosted a musical extravaganza alongside a world-renowned opera singer.

The event, at Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College (FBEC), starred tenor Ian Storey and children and young people from schools in Ferryhill and Chilton, and featured traditional North-East songs.

The Sedgefield District Wind Band, and FBEC’s Glee Club also performed.

Former Chilton resident Mr Storey, who was crowned FBEC’s first Patron of Music at the event, said: “I travel around the world most of the year but love driving back home and spending time at my old schools working with the kids.

“If it helps them to broaden their way of thinking then it is worthwhile.”

Glenys Newby, from Approach Too, which arranged Mr Storey’s involvement with the schools, said: “Ian has achieved so much and performs in so many opera houses around the world.

“It’s great that he finds time to come back and inspire children in our community.”