TUNEFUL youngsters have enjoyed the sweet taste of success with a Mary Poppins classic in a school song contest.

Pupils from 23 primary schools competed in the annual Mayor’s Musical Theatre Song Contest in front of a full-house at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre.

And the Federation of Mowden Schools were judged to be the winners with a stirring performance of “A Spoonful of Sugar”.

High Coniscliffe CE Primary came second with The Deadwood Stage from Calamity Jane, and St Augustine’s RC Primary were third with “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story.

VIP guests at the competition, sponsored for the fourth year running by Darlington Building Society, included the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Veronica Copeland, and the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon.

The Mayor said: “What a fantastic evening of entertainment. The standard was incredibly high, and the pupils and teachers had clearly put in a huge amount of effort.”

Event organiser Kelly McStravick said: “There were a lot of happy children and parents at the end so a big thank you to everyone who supported the event and we are already looking forward to next year.”

The judges were Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People; Vicky Bates, Deputy Manager of the Durham Music Service; and Kayleigh Turner and Clare Sutton, representing Darlington Building Society.

A collection was made on the night for the Mayor’s charities: the 700 Club, the Royal British Legion, and the Darlington Association on Disability.

Participating schools were: Gurney Pease Academy; Marchbank Free School; Federation of Mowden Schools; Springfield Academy; Heathfield; Whinfield; Polam Hall; St Bede’s RC; Harrowgate Hill Academy; St George’s CE Academy; Red Hall; St Mary’s, Cockerton; Federation of Abbey Schools; St Augustine’s RC; Northwood; Heighington CE; High Coniscliffe; West Park Academy; Mount Pleasant; St Teresa’s RC; St John’s CE; Holy Family RC; and Reid Street.