Christmas cheer with choir contest

Schoolchildren are tuning up ahead of the annual Christmas choir competition at Dudley's Merry Hill Centre.

Details have been announced for the contest which will involve almost 60 schools from around the region.

The competition has become a regular fixture in the centre's calendar and attracts scores of shoppers each year.

Organisers claim it is Britain's biggest Christmas choir competition and say this year an extra 10 schools have entered.

The format of the competition has changed for 2008 as organisers have introduced a host of new categories including best newcomer, best costume and best performance which can feature dance, in addition to overall winner.

Marketing manager at Merry Hill, Kelly Reed, said: "We have changed the format slightly this year to enable more schools to get involved and with more categories there will be even more winners.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the children to sing in front of a live audience and it's great to see the smiles on their faces."

The competition starts on December 1 and the finals are held on December 12, the winner will be announced on December 18. Choirs will again be judged on the quality of performance, originality and enthusiasm and singing starlets from the four schools which most impress will win £1,000.

Last year's champion was Netherbrook Primary School in Netherton and music teacher Leigh Frost said: "We will be learning some new songs to perform this year, we are really looking forward to it.

"The children are very excited and it's wonderful to share what they ave been learning with everyone."

Performances will take place in the centre's Fountain Square on the lower level.