YOUNG singers from Cirencester Kingshill School enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience when they took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in the capital to sing in the Schools Prom.

Twenty talented students from the school joined more than 500 pupils from secondary schools across Gloucestershire at the prestigious London venue.

In total 1,350 people travelled from Gloucestershire to watch or take part in the musical extravaganza.

Cirencester Kingshill pupils performed in front of a 5000-strong audience, including parents, as part of the Gloucestershire Massed Ensemble and orchestra. They were joined on the trip by the Kingshill head of music Guy Guerrini and head of expressive arts Russell Blackaller.

A 160-piece orchestra drawn from members of four of the county's top youth music groups, including Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra and the county's Youth Wind Orchestra, accompanied pupils.

Mr Guerrini said: "This was a fantastic prestigious event that our pupils were privileged to be included in.

"It was one of the finest musical experiences in the UK. There was a wealth of talent on show that extended the horizons of all who experienced it and the positive feedback from pupils has been remarkable."

Kingshill parent Julie Richardson accompanied her daughter, Year 9 student Eleanor on the trip. She said: "The organisation of the event was absolutely amazing and it was an outstanding evening. It was a memory that my daughter will never forget. The event ran so smoothly and Kingshill were brilliant."

Pupils showcased a brand new piece, Journey, composed by Philip Harper, taking its inspiration from the story of one of the most famous fictional Dick Whittington and his cat.