A RECORD number of pupils took part in what was described as a phenomenal night of entertainment at Alva Academy last week.

The Wee County academy hosted its annual Christmas show and delighted a packed out auditorium with 240 pupils taking part through a variety of different means.

As always there was the traditional Christmas music with singers giving renditions of White Christmas and Carol of the Bells.

There was also a number of alternative acts, however, which came in the shape of a Samba band and a country band which played with instruments including the banjo.

To top it off, there was a pupil choir consisting of more than 100 members which was joined by the staff choir and the award-winning Parkinson's Singing Group.

David Clifford, one of three music teachers who organised the event, told the Advertiser it was another sensational night at the school.

He said: "It was a phenomenal night filled with festive cheer and lots of smiles throughout. We had a trad band, samba band and country band which was great fun.

"Music plays a massive part of what we do at the school. We had a huge amount of S1s taking part for the first time, and the S6s had their final chance to be part of the show.

"It was just a chance for the pupils to showcase their talents to parents. The atmosphere was electric as it always is. I don't know of any other school which has more than a quarter of pupils performing."

David wished to extend a huge thank you to the pupils and parents, as well as the staff for giving up their free time to help out.