After a four-year Covid-induced gap, High Street Methodist Church again resonated to the sound of a massed choir, leading the singing at the Harpenden and District Junior Schools’ Carol Concert.

The choir, drawn from 13 local junior schools, told the Christmas story by way of carols and Bible readings. They led the audience of mums, dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents in some traditional carols while adding gusto in delivering some newer, rhythmic ones.

The return of the concert was welcomed by Claire Wright, President of Rotary in Harpenden, which presented the event. She added: ‘As ever, our thanks go to the singers and their teachers and musicians, who together give us such an uplifting start to the Christmas season in Harpenden.’

A collection was taken for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the charity Claire has chosen to support during her year as Rotary in Harpenden President. This followed an appeal by Denise Newman and Liz Arendt, accompanied by hearing dog Rufus, on behalf of the charity.

Claire also thanked the concert’s sponsors: Taylor Walton Solicitors, Stevensons Outfitters, Whittaker & Co, Estate Agents, Brayleys Cars, Hicks Chartered Accountants, Lyndhurst Financial Management and Neves Solicitors.

The 13 schools taking part were: Beech Hyde Primary & Nursery, Harpenden Academy, High Beeches Primary, Manland Primary, Roundwood Primary, Sauncey Wood Primary, St Dominic RC Primary, St Helen’s CE Primary, St Nicholas CE VA Primary, The Grove Junior, The Lea Primary, Wood End Primary and Redbourn Primary.