Magical tour has become a reality

With help from schools and volunteers across the district, the Singing Children of Africa are currently delighting audiences with their uplifting blend of music, drumming and dance.

The youngsters are enjoying a two month musical journey, bringing joy to fellow pupils and groups.

They were at Ben Rhydding Primary School in Ilkley yesterday, where they sang in assembly, before making new friends in the playground and performing an evening concert for family and friends.

The choir sing in Swahili and English, performing western favourites and African songs. Ben Rhydding head teacher Carry Lynott said the performance had been "absolutely fantastic".

The Ilkley school has been among fundraisers for the trip, collecting £1,400.

The children are from Utange, a village where many homes are made from mud.

The Singing Children is an offshoot of a charity set up by Scotswoman Maureen McIntyre who sponsored a child after visiting Kenya in 1998 and realising many children were not getting a decent education.

Things snowballed and the Samson Chivatsi Children's Appeal has raised money to build two schools and provide education for over children, among whom are the choir members. The trip is also aiming to fundraise for a village orphanage, which would be used by some of the choir members whose parents have died from HIV/Aids and other diseases.

The eight-week tour has taken in Ben Rhydding Primary School, Ilkley Grammar School and All Saints' Church in Ilkley, Hollingwood Lane Primary School in Horton Bank, Bradford, Beckfoot School, in Bingley, and Addingham Primary School.

Emmerdale stars, including Ben Freeman (Scott Windsor) and Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden), are among those expected to take part in a fundraising football match for the choir at Thackley Football Club on October 1 at 2pm.

Tickets are available from the club, Shoobox in Chapel Lane, Bingley, or on the day.

e-mail: jonathan.walton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk