Thousands of children from across the region gathered in Birmingham’s LG Arena to sing their hearts out in the annual Young Voices concert.

More than 8,500 youngsters from 160 schools, aged between seven and ten are taking part in the Young Voices shows in Birmingham. The first of the three was held last night.

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Each school  has been practising hard since September to master the songs and dance moves to wow the audience at the arena as they sing and dance as one. The concert was held in aid of children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Joining the children was talented Streetly youngster Connie Talbot, who first stepped into the limelight at the age of six on the hit ITV show Britain’s got Talent.  The 11-year-old perfor-med a solo as well as leading some of the songs.

Youngsters from across Cannock and Lichfield are taking part in the shows, including  nearly 50 pupils from St Peter’s School in Reservoir Road, Hednesford, who attended the event along with choir teacher Sarah Smith.

She said: “This is the second year we have come and it has been absolutely fantastic.”

Woodfield Junior School’s choir teacher Ruth Byrne, has been bringing children from the school in Wolverhampton to perform in the Young Voices concert for the past 11 years.

She said: “It is a wonderful event to bring the children to, and they always have a good time. It is hard work, but they just love it and it is such a pleasure.”