Students from the Lizard Peninsula performed in front of almost 1,000 when they sang as part of a prestigious carol service at Truro Cathedral.

Mullion School was chosen from secondary schools all over Cornwall to sing at the annual BBC Radio Cornwall carol service – one of only two schools selected, alongside St Mewan Primary School.

Both drew huge cheers from the audience after finishing their songs.

Falmouth Packet:

Mullion School perform in the service. Photo: BBC

Radio Cornwall assistant editor Daphne Skinnard admitted it was “extremely difficult” to pick just two school choirs – one secondary and one primary – for the service earlier this week.

Also taking to the stage was one of Cornwall’s oldest brass bands, St Dennis Band, which is believed to have been formed in 1838.

The service raised more than £1,800 for the Sowenna Appeal, which will help fund a mental health centre for young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

As in previous years, the music was interspersed with festive readings from Radio Cornwall presenters, along with those of the Dean of Truro Cathedral the Very Rev Roger Bush.

The service will be broadcast on Radio Cornwall on Christmas Day at 10am.

Daphne Skinnard said: “The Christmas service in Truro Cathedral brought together nearly a thousand people from all over Cornwall and marks the start of the festive celebrations for us.

“Getting together so many people from across our area is always a real favourite for us, it shows how strong our community really is.

“An important part of the service this year involved two Cornish school choirs who won the BBC Radio Cornwall Sing Out competition, the young voices delighted the audience with their Christmas songs.

“No Cornish event is ever complete without a rendition of Hawker’s The Song of the Western Men, better known as Trelawny. The cathedral roof was raised at the end by the sound of the performers and congregation joining together to sing their hearts out alongside St Dennis Band.”