Twelve pupils from The Buchan Eagles Prep Choir took to the stage in a special celebration of music, speech and dance.

The children, aged between nine and 11, travelled to the UK to take part in the Alderley Edge Festival of Music, Speech and Drama, held in the village of Alderley Edge in Cheshire.

Each year it welcomes more than 2,500 to compete as singers, musicians, actors and public speakers.

Competing against four other schools in their first appearance at the Festival, The Buchan Eagles placed first in their class, ’Small Choral Group - National Curriculum Year 6 and Under’, winning the Thelwall Trophy and Shield.

Sue Mills, head of music at the Castletown-based Buchan School, said: ’To come away with a win at our first time performing at the festival is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted with the results. Every single pupil excelled themselves and I couldn’t be prouder of how they performed and composed themselves on the day - they were a credit to the school.

’The pupils received a warm reception and the adjudicator commented they sang with such tenderness and gentleness that the song, ’What The World Needs Now’, had a good blend, the diction was clear and the harmony singing was well-balanced - almost as if they were singing as one! Overall she wrote that they were a delightful choir that sings with honesty and musicality.

’Competitive events such as the Alderley Edge Festival provide children with an opportunity to grow and develop in so many ways.

’They all really enjoyed the experience and have already been asking about next year.’

The annual tuition fee for the Buchan is £12,420.