HUNDREDS of youngsters were in fine voice for the annual York Schools Choral Festival.

Now in its seventh year, the event held at the University of York's department of TV film and theatre was held over two days and involved about 300 children this year from schools across the city.

Pupils had a day or workshops and activities and rehearsals and came together to perform their choice of song before all joining together for the feel good anthem "Love My Life" by Robbie Williams.

Molly Newton, music lead for the Pathfinder Teaching School Alliance runs the event with fellow music teacher and community musician Buffy Breakwell.

Molly said: "Thanks must go to Steve Plews the department events co-ordinator, who facilitated the event beautifully and was so helpful over the two days.

"Both myself and Buffy were really impressed with the standard this year, and thought the energy from the children was incredible.

"The festival was the perfect platform to launch the "York Music Hub - Year of Singing" which this year is going to be focusing on encouraging more boys to sing. There are more events planned throughout the year, including a day of workshops and concert in July with all male A cappella group - Sons Of Pitches. Who were winners of Gareth Malone's Naked Choir competition."

Molly and Buffy run the festival on an entirely voluntary basis and rely on donations to cover the costs involved with organising the event. This is getting increasingly difficult to do and they would love to hear from any companies or businesses who might be interested in sponsoring future festivals! Molly can be contacted at Archbishop Holgate's CE School 01904 411341

The groups involved this year: were Archie's Boys Aloud (secondary); Hempland Starlings Choir; St Lawrence's School; St Aelred's Junior Choir; Clifton Green; Tang Hall Choir; Wilberfoss Choir; Fulford Yr 9 Musicans (secondary); Tadcaster Grammar School Pop Choir (secondary); Heworth Junior Choir and Lord Deramore's Yr 6 class