A CHOIRMASTER who leads an enthusiastic singing ensemble at a Barrow school was surprised with the Evening Mail's Bouquet of the Week.

Matt Thornhill, a Year Three teacher at Roose Community Primary School, in North Row, was nominated for the special flowers because of his work in the school's choir.

The 20 to 25 members of the choir meet every Tuesday lunchtime to rehearse and regularly perform at special events to audiences across south Cumbria.

Mr Thornhill, who joined the school in September 2012, was nominated on behalf of his class, who wanted to thank him for the fun they have had.

Speaking about getting the Bouquet of the Week, Mr Thornhill said: "It was totally unexpected. It was very kind.

"I'm a musical person and the teacher who was running the choir retired soon after me being here, so naturally I saw that as an opportunity and wanted to keep it going. The children seemed to enjoy it. I thought it was worth carrying on."

The choir mainly consists of pupils in Years Three to Six and took part in the South Cumbria Musical Festival in Ulverston for the first time in many years.

Mr Thornhill said: "We sing for fun but I try and take advantage of certain events going on, so we will often sing for the coffee morning which meets fortnightly.

"We've been to the hospital, performed at The Forum and we went to South Cumbria Musical Festival for the first time since I've taken over.

"The core group love singing and it's giving them that opportunity to put forward ideas and say what songs they like and and ask 'would that work?'

"They just love singing."

In the nomination by the children of Year Three, Mr Thornhill was described as "always on the go".

It said: "[He] does an extreme amount for the school.

"Not only does he teach Year Three, he is also the school choirmaster and has a fantastic choir."

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