YOUNGSTERS raised the roof at Victoria Hall – performing a host of songs they learnt on the same day as the concert.

Rehearsals began at 10.30am on Saturday as 160 pupils from nine primary schools got together for the annual Bolton Schools’ Music Association Sing Day event.

Guest choirmaster Stuart Overington, who conducts the Halle Youth Training Choir, took charge of the young singers, teaching them a range of songs before they performed to a packed audience of proud parents on Saturday night.

Mr Overington, who worked alongside Bolton Music Service teacher Robbie Gardiner to coach the children, said: “The children have done really well. It is a lot to take in – all on one Saturday.

“But they really enjoyed themselves and we’ve all had a great time learning the songs.”

The choir was accompanied by pianists Elaine Lowe and Margaret Rutter and drummer Daniel Baxendale.

Also performing were Quantum barbershop quartet and Bolton Junior Youth Choir.

Trish Hughes, chair of Bolton Schools’ Music Association, said: “The children get a lot of enjoyment out of this but it also teaches them self discipline.

“They then get the satisfaction of performing in a concert in such a wonderful venue as the Victoria Hall. We are very lucky in Bolton that we have places like this.”

The concert was in aid of the Charity Children Today, which provides specialist equipment for disabled youngsters.

Val Deary, secretary of the association, added: “We do this for a different charity every year and we like to choose a local charity which supports children.”

The primary schools involved were Castle Hill, Highfield, Prestolee, St Matthew’s, Blackrod, Lostock, St Gregory’s, St James and St Michael’s.

Bolton Schools’ Music Association is a voluntary organisation run by music teachers from the town.

They also run the annual Schools’ Music Festival – a five-day run of concerts performed by youngsters at Victoria Hall – which takes place this year from June 15 to 19.