CONCERT: St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny was full for the annual concert by pupils from King Henry V111 Comprehensive School. Interspersed with compositions played by the school's musicians who formed a string group, woodwind, flute and brass ensembles, there were readings from Year 7 pupils Ellie Nuttall, Mair Floyd-Bosley and Evan Roberts of their own thoughts on Christmas. Trafford Squire read the poem composed by Year 7 pupil Ryan Groves who could not be there.

Year 7 pupils Will Smith and James Jones gave their audience some interesting facts about Christmas entitled Did You Know?

The work of more famous poets was read by Benjamin Sadler, Lizzie Adams, Jordan Acock-Jones, Hannah Burch, Emily Pritchard and Holly O'Farrell.

The Year 8 drama group presented an excerpt from Charles Dickens' famous story about Scrooge and his hatred of everything to do with Christmas and goodwill.

There was a scintillating guitar solo from the talented Jac Thomas and the concert was opened with the pure soprano voice of Sophie Rigby singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City.

Several arrangements were played by the windband, including the lively Aladdin Fantasy and the concert ended with a collection of carols and songs from the school choir.

Thanks were given by the head of the school's music department Stephen Marshall and the chairman of governors, Tony Reynolds.