A PRIMARY school is celebrating after being named as a semi-finalist in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition – a search to find the UK’s best primary school Christmas play.

Cropthorne With Charlton Cofe First School near Pershore has won £100 after reaching the final stage of the competition and was one of only 24 UK primary schools in the running to have their festive production filmed and shared with four million Virgin TV customers this Christmas.

In addition, the school will receive two ukuleles thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit West End show, School of Rock the Musical – which partnered with Virgin Media on the competition.

Although the school did not win the overall prize, they impressed a panel of judges with their entry for their Christmas play called “Everyone Loves a Baby” from Out of the Ark. It’s about a family who have just had a new baby, and while nearly everyone loves a baby, the older children are not so sure. They decide to go for a walk when they come across Mary and Joseph, kings, shepherds and angels who tell them about the special and unusual baby called Jesus who is about to be born.

A panel of judges included praised the school for its creative and imaginative play.

David Bouchier, chief digital entertainment officer at Virgin Media, commented: “Well done to Cropthorne With Charlton Cofe First School for being a semi-finalist in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition 2019.

“Everyone at the school should be proud of their fantastic festive entry and we’re delighted they’ve won a prize."

“We wish all pupils and staff a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.”

Katy Hughes from Cropthorne With Charlton Cofe First School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be a semi-finalist and are thrilled to receive the £100 and ukuleles!”