ENCOURAGING youngsters to sing has led to a top award for a Hanworth school.

St Margaret Clitherow Primary has received the silver level of the Sing Up award for involving individual classes, the whole school and families as well in music participation.

Rebecca Brown, music teacher at the school in Pembroke, said: "It's really good news. We're one of the first schools in the area to get this award.

"The children are very pleased. They have enjoyed singing. We might work towards gold now." The school has been working on the award for more than a year, holding initiatives including a music week in the spring term and learning to sing rounds, harmonies and call-and-response songs from around the world.

Year Five pupil Emelia Riddette-Page, nine, who is in the choir, said: "I've enjoyed learning the new songs. We want more people to join the choir. It's more fun than just having a normal playtime!" Fellow Year Five pupil Marcela Szczerkowska, 10, said: "I enjoy everything about it." Find out more about the awards, led by charity Youth Music, at www.singup.org/sing-up-awards