WYRE Forest students were part of a 600-strong Centenary Chorus where youth choirs from across Europe performed at a special First World War memorial concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Pupils and choirs of 10 Worcestershire schools, including The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre and King Charles I School, joined with the Philharmonia Orchestra to perform The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.

The song is an anti-war piece which was dedicated initially to the victims of the Kosovo crisis and included parts where the students had to sing in both Latin and French.

Before the performance began, the children from each choir swopped packets of poppy seeds as a symbol of peace and to commemorate 100 years since the start of the First World War.

Charley Wilde, a year 10 student at Bewdley School, said: “The whole experience was incredible and unforgettable and it was a privilege to have been part of something so meaningful.

“It also meant a lot to everyone that we were supported by all our friends, family and staff who came to see us perform.”

King Charles I pupil Chloe Taylor said: ”It was unbelievable that we had the chance to sing in the Royal Albert Hall.

The performance was unforgettable and it will stay in my memory forever.”

Fellow King Charles student Sophie Webb said: “This was such a unique experience as such as opportunity does not come up every day – it was amazing.”

The special concert received a standing ovation from 4,000 members of the audience which included parents, teachers and dignitaries.

Speaking of the event, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: “The First World War Centenary is an opportunity to remember the sacrifice and heroism of the fallen and their loved ones.

“It is truly humbling to see hundreds of young people, whose great-grandparents would have been on opposing sides of the war, coming together for this extraordinary event, which whilst remembering the lives lost, will also celebrate the spirit of peace and reconciliation in the 21st century.”

Julie Reilly, headteacher of the Bewdley School, said: “I was privileged to be sitting in the audience at The Royal Albert Hall - the performance was spectacular and the message conveyed so pertinent.

“The commitment made by staff and learners helped to create a momentous occasion that was enjoyed by all who attended.”

The special concert, which received a standing ovation from 4,000 members of the audience, was organised by Sing UK a national organisation that provides singing opportunities for young people.

Since 2010, the organisation has worked with 14 of the county’s secondary schools forming choruses which have performed alongside major UK music ensembles including the English Symphony Orchestra.

Anne Renshaw, Sing UK's operations director said: “This was a remarkable opportunity for young people to perform in the world-famous Royal Albert Hall with one of the world's great orchestras, the Philharmonia.

“At the same time they made their own contribution to the commemorations for the centenary of the First World War.

“The young singers turned in a fantastic performance which left the audience spell-bound – it was a very moving occasion.”