PITCH perfect pupils entertained with a medley of musical hits as they took to the stage for their annual winter concerts.

More than 50 singers, guitarists, pianists, ukulele players and musical theatre performers from Haughton Academy, Darlington, heralded the run up to Christmas with an evening of seasonal music and song.

The event, attended by a packed hall of parents, carers, staff, family and friends, was led by academy head of music Lisa Armstrong.

“Our annual winter concert is an ideal opportunity to show off the incredible range of musical talent that we have here at Haughton Academy,” she said.

“The pupils, from Year 7 to Year 11, have been rehearsing every week since September and have been really looking forward to performing in front of their family and friends.”

And not to be outdone, star secondary performers at Beaumont Hill Academy, part of the Education Village Trust with Haughton, staged the Greatest Christmas Show for their Yuletide extravaganza.

The hour-long spectacular, directed by Mary Jeffery, melded the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, with the Nutcracker and The Greatest Showman in a demonstration of talent to be proud of.

A shining display of dance, acting and song by the secondary school children was the culmination of weeks of devoted practice and commitment to their rehearsals.

Performances included the Beaumont Hill choir, the 12 Days of Christmas, a Christmas mash up, a rendition of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb, Merry Christmas, excerpts from A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker and song and dance routines from the The Greatest Showman.

There was also a dance performance of Rockin’ Robin by staff before a roof-raising whole-cast finale to rapturous applause.

Mrs Jeffery said: “All of the students worked incredibly hard and with the help of staff successfully put on what could only be described as The Greatest Show.”

Meanwhile, Haughton Guitarist and singer Dan Rimmer,15, who performed Folsom Prison Blues, by Jonny Cash, alongside fellow Year 11 pupil Lucas Woods, said: “I have performed at all of the academy’s music concerts as well as playing at outside venues, such as the Forum in Darlington.

“I think people will be surprised by the level of talent that we have in the school and its good to be able to share that with people in the local community.”