ALTRINCHAM Preparatory School (APS) boys are preparing to sing at a star-studded charity carol concert hosted by Matthew Kelly, after winning a prestigious choir competition.

The NeuroMuscular Centre’s Spirit of Christmas concert attracts more than 1,000 people to Chester Cathedral each year.

The concert, an annual event of festive readings and singing, takes place this Friday, November 25 and stars attending include Jim Broadbent, Alison Steadman and Lesley Manville.

Primary schools across Cheshire and North Wales were invited by the charity to record two songs to be judged for a competition - a traditional carol and a Christmas song reflecting the theme of The Fun Of Christmas.

Altrincham Preparatory School’s entries were In The Bleak Midwinter and Confused Carols, the latter an original piece composed by APS director of music, Paul Vowles.

After making the final six for the third year, the APS senior choir was revealed as the winner on Chester Dee 106.3’s Breakfast Show.

“I am absolutely delighted for the boys that they will have this fantastic opportunity to sing in front of so many people,” said Mr Vowles.

“The boys have worked so hard as a group for this. They gave up so much of their free time to perfect these songs and they’re really excited to perform them.”

Altrincham Preparatory School does not audition boys for the senior choir.

“It’s just boys who want to sing, and work hard at being the best they can be,” added Mr Vowles.

“And they really went for it this year after coming so close with previous entries.”

Mr Vowles said the boys - who also won a digital piano for the school as part of the prize – can’t wait to premiere new song Confused Carols at Chester Cathedral.

Tom Brookes, in Year 6, said: “There will be a few nerves but we’re confident that we’ll sound really good.”