YOUNG voices were in perfect pitch as they gave the concluding performance of a project which has given them the chance to sing with cathedral choristers.

The Durham Cathedral concert, a musical commemoration of World War One, featured more than 200 singers from eight primary schools performing with girl choristers.

All eight participating schools have been visited by the choristers in recent weeks to prepare their novice choir members for the concert, viewed by proud parents, teachers and support staff.

It was the culmination of the latest cathedral outreach programme to give youngsters in mainstream schools the rare chance to sing in the setting of the World Heritage site.

James Randle, musical director at the cathedral’s Chorister School, said: “The outreach scheme is not designed to replace the wonderful music teaching going on in school already, but is here to offer these children the chance to sing together in one of the most wonderful buildings in the world.”

Thousands of youngsters across the Durham diocese have benefited from the experience, as the choristers have worked with scores of schools in County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside over the 12 years of the project.

This year’s programme has focused on schools in the Sunderland and Washington areas, Albany Village Primary, Benedict Biscop C of E Academy, George Washington Primary, John F Kennedy Primary, Our Lady Queen of Peace RC Primary, St Cuthbert’s RC Primary, St John Boste RC Primary and Wessington Primary.

The repertoire for the latest concert was chosen with the centenary of the outbreak of World War One in mind, and audience members were invited to join in by singing along to Daisy Bell and Keep the Home Fires Burning.

The concluding carol, Silent Night, provided all those present with the chance to reflect on the Christmas Day truce of 1914.