More than 100 guests from local care homes were treated to a special community concert to begin their Christmases in style.

The guests – from care homes in Barton, New Milton and Brockenhurst – were treated to performances of Christmas carols and popular songs, which the children had been practicing for weeks.

The concert took place at Ballard School’s Performing Arts Centre, and performances were given by choirs and musical groups from nursery age up to Year 11.

Many of the guests joined in with the carols, while being served hot drinks and mince pies by pupils, staff and the school’s leadership team.

The event was held for the first time since the pandemic. Headmaster Andrew McCleave said: “This was a heart-warming occasion for all involved. I was so proud of the pupils who performed really well and were so welcoming to our guests, who clearly enjoyed the event.

“Helping others and contributing to the community is a key value at Ballard, so it was a real pleasure for us to be able to host this much-loved event in the school calendar once again – we hope our guests felt as pleased as we did to be ‘back to normal’ for this year’s Christmas festivities.

“I’d like to thank all our guests for coming and congratulate every pupil and member of staff whose help and commitment made this a really special morning.”