MORE THAN 200 pupils from Monmouth Haberdashers’ School took to the stage with the African Children’s Choir to perform a concert celebrating life and the uniting power of music.

Children from Inglefield House, The Grange and Agincourt School & Nursery sang a medley of uplifting songs alongside the touring musicians, raising nearly £3,000 to help them fulfil their dreams.

Started by a volunteer more than 40 years ago, the choir gives deprived children from across Africa the opportunity to tour the UK, US and Canada, performing along the way.

Hilary Phillips, headmistress of Inglefield House, said: “The concert was electrifying - brimming with energy and infectious enthusiasm.

“The organisation is called ‘Music For Life’. Particularly appropriate music is woven into life at Inglefield and the concert enables African children from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan and South Africa to have a better life.”

Pupils from each school and the choir practised separately, coming together for just two joint rehearsals to put it all together.

Mrs Phillips added: “The result was an explosion of colour, energy and pure happiness.”

Inglefield House sponsors Phephile Mayisa and the children exchange letters with her regularly.