A SWINDON choir is to perform in London at the National Choral Festival.

Pupils from Ruskin Junior School in Upper Stratton won a place at the prestigious concert after beating off competition from across the south of England at a competition in Newbury.

The choir has 95 members aged nine to 11 and is due to perform three songs in a 12 minute set before an audience of thousands at the Royal Festival Hall on July 2.

The concert is organised by the educational charity Music For Youth and the most successful choirs will perform at the School Proms in the Royal Albert Hall in November.

Music teacher Jackie Pattenden, who coaches and conducts the choir, said: "Performing at the Royal Festival Hall will be a big moment for all of us and we would love to go on to the Royal Albert Hall.

"They have to practice very hard but they are very keen."

Pupil Bethan Milford, 11, from Upper Stratton, said: "I'm really excited about it, my dad's a singer and he has always wanted to sing at the Royal Festival Hall so he is proud of me.

"It will be a great experience to perform in front of so many people. I am especially looking forward to singing Rhythm of Life, which is my favourite song."

Fellow choir member James Duncan, 10 from Upper Stratton, said: "I enjoy singing but I will be a bit nervous in front of all those people."