CHILDREN from St John's-on-the-Hill have been raising spirits and Christmas cheer throughout Chepstow by singing and raising funds for charity.

The pupils raised an excellent £100 for Children in Need.

Diane Franklin, head of learning support at the school, said: "It is so important for independent schools to link into the local community.

"At St John's-on-the-Hill, we try to give the children opportunities to perform and mix in our community.

"Each year we enjoy singing in old people's homes, on the high street of Chepstow for the switching on of Christmas lights and recently we were delighted for our junior choir to sing in Coffee #1.

"To perform in front of an audience is a great experience for young children, it takes them out of their comfort zones, and promotes team work and presentation skills.

"It also allowed some of the youngest in our community from St Arvan's Nursery to go around with collection buckets for charity.

"Thank you to everyone involved."