EXCITED pupils were thrilled to follow in the footsteps of their pop star icons and perform at an international concerts venue.

Hundreds of youngsters from schools across Furness and south Cumbria are involved in Young Voices 2017 - the largest school choir concerts in the world.

Buses full of children, teachers and parents headed to Manchester Arena on Wednesday and Thursday for pupils to experience their time in the spotlight as part of a 8,500-strong pupil choir.

Schools around the UK have been rehearsing a range of songs and moves since September to be ready for the big concerts, where they sing alongside musicians and dancers, such as Urban Strides and Beatbox Collective.

This week the Young Voices vocalists included children from Barrow’s Newbarns Primary School, Parkside GGI Academy, Chetwynde School and St Paul’s CE Junior School, as well as pupils from South Walney Junior School, Pennington CE Primary School, Croftlands Junior School, Ulverston, Low Furness CE Primary, Urswick, and Lindale CE Primary School, Grange – all singing their hearts out.

Newbarns Primary School was represented by 46 children. Newbarns headteacher, Gary Birkett said: "It was a great experience. Some of the children were going to Manchester for the first time, and then to sing in a concert with thousands of children from around the North West was brilliant. When all the lights were shining it was magical for them."

Parkside GGI Academy had 40 Year Two children at the venue. Their headteacher Caroline Walker it is an wonderful experience for creating great memories. Mr Walker said: "The best thing is seeing the faces of the children when they see the arena. It is just like being in a show."

Forty-eight Pennington CE Primary School pupils had a fabulous time at Young Voices. Amanda Exley, a member of staff at the school said: "It was an absolutely amazing experience. The children were so exciting and were jumping about. They all loved performing in a big concert."

More school groups are also heading to Manchester Arena next week for Young Voices.