SINGING in front of thousands of people in the country's biggest sporting arena would be a daunting prospect for many, but for Barrow's Callum Woodall it was a dream come true.

The 12-year-old Dowdales School pupil was given the honour of singing Abide With Me with classical maestro Aled Jones in front of a 76,000-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium as part of the Challenge Cup Fans' Choir on Saturday afternoon.

Callum, who was one of the youngest members of the ensemble, represented Barrow Raiders as he belted out the well-known hymn alongside 31 other singers from rugby league clubs across the country.

Speaking after his once-in-a-lifetime performance, Callum said: "It was amazing, it was quite nervewracking but it was one of the best moments of my life."

The 12-year-old practised all day on Friday for his moment in the spotlight before walking out on to the hallowed Wembley turf on Saturday for the rugby league curtain-raiser.

He added: "My favourite bit was meeting all of the other singers from all of the different clubs. I was quite nervous being one of the youngest but the other members really helped me to settle down and relax before the performance.

"I haven't watched it back yet on TV but I can't wait to sit down with my mum and see myself perform. I am very grateful that my mum found the competition and I would sing at Wembley all over again tomorrow if I had the chance."

Callum, who works as a ball boy on matchdays at Craven Park, was nominated for the competition by his mum, Karen Woodall, after she spotted an advertisement on Twitter looking for fans to join the choir.

Mrs Woodall was by his side for the day and gushed with pride as she watched her boy make the most of his moment in the spotlight which saw his face beamed across the nation to millions tuning in on BBC One.

She said: "I was so proud, it was such as great day to be a part of and it has made a life-long memory which I will never forget.

"I have had lots of messages of support and congratulations from people which has been lovely to hear. I know that Callum absolutely loved it, as soon as he had singing he ran up to me and said "I did it!" and was so excited and pleased for himself but all of the choir were and it was lovely to see everyone congratulate each other.

"He always makes me so proud and I love him to bits, he's a great kid."

As well as getting to sing with Welsh superstar Aled Jones, Callum also got the chance to meet singer Lizzie Jones, who presented the trophy to Hull FC after their 12-10 victory and rugby league legend Martin Offiah.

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