SENSATIONAL singing sailors stole the show at the official opening day of the Inverclyde Music Festival.

Pitch perfect youngsters from Whinhill Primary impressed judge Eileen Field with their lively version of the well known sea shanty song ‘The Drunken Sailor’ to win the 11 years and under School Choir competition.

As part of their performance, the youngsters also sang ‘Catch a Falling Star’, a popular song by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss.

Primary seven pupil Ailee Gray was over-the-moon with the win.

She said: “It was really fun to be able to perform.

“We were nervous before we went on but we all stuck together and helped each other.” Head teacher Liz Ruddy told the Tele she was so proud of all the children.

She said: “They were fantastic.

“We had some children who were off today so the rest of the group pulled together and represented their class beautifully.

“I’m so proud of them.” Judge Eileen Field, who has travelled up from London especially for the event, praised the choir who are made up of primary six and seven pupils as well as children from the school’s Gaelic unit.

She said: “It’s lovely to see young people singing in choirs as singing is something they can do for the rest of their lives and they will always remember singing in this beautiful town hall.

“The teachers are so dedicated and work hard to prepare the children for their performances.” Vocal instructor Gemma McLean, who travels round all the schools in the area, was delighted to see the pupils’ efforts pay off.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted that they performed very well.

“It’s the first time in quite a number of years that the school has put a choir in so this was testing the waters for us and I’m thrilled.” Meanwhile, the primary two choir from St Patrick’s triumphed in their age group and the school’s P1 pupils scooped joint second place with Aileymill Primary.

See tomorrow’s Tele for more festival action and results.