Talented pupils from the Brownmead Academy junior choir in Shard End entertained patients and staff when they visited Solihull Hospital to perform a carol service.

The choir, aged between seven and eleven, sang and did readings for the patients on Ward 8, which cares for patients who have had strokes. Sadly some of these patients won’t be home in time for Christmas and were visibly moved by the service.

Each choir member was thanked personally by Father Christmas, who also presented them with gifts.

Barbara Turner, an 80-year-old patient from Solihull, smiled all the way through the singing and said at the end: “It was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes and has really helped to put me in the Christmas spirit.”

Ashley Winters, head teacher at Brownmead Academy, said: “It was lovely to be invited back to perform for patients after the success of our visit last Christmas. The choir really enjoy performing for an audience and we hope that our carol singing kicked off Christmas for everyone on Ward 8.”