ST John’s Primary School pupils were crowned champions in a choral competition between six Wyre Forest schools.

The competition was part of an evening of celebration and music to raise money for charity and remember a popular Kidderminster woman, Shirley Holland, which took place at Kidderminster Town Hall on June 10.

Fred Holland, well-known diabetes campaigner, arranged the event in memory of his wife who died in 2014 following a battle with dementia and Type 2 diabetes.

St John’s CE Primary School, in Blakebrook, was presented with the Shirley Holland Memorial Shield.

Philippa Brettell, music teacher at the school, said: “The pupils were very excited when it was announced they had won – I was very shocked.

“We sang a song called ‘Just Sing’ as well as a gospel medley which featured four spiritual songs.

“It was an excellent night. All of the schools performed well on the evening – it was really nice to hear the other schools sing.

“We practiced very hard for the competition. We rehearse once a week after school – we had been learning the songs for quite a while and we added dance moves.

“Our school choir ranges between the ages of six and 10.”

Mr Holland added: “It was a brilliant show.

“More than 300 people attended in the end and it was a fantastic night.

“I would just like to say thank you to everyone who attended especially the choirs, they were magnificent.

“I was really proud of the event – we promised it would be a legacy for my wife Shirley.”

Mr Holland hopes to make this an annual event.

All proceeds raised from the evening will be split between Diabetes UK, Dementia UK and the Fred Holland Centre for Diabetes.

Singer Rosemary Hutton hosted the evening, and Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier and the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Dr Umesh Udeshi, were also in attendance.