Family, friends and former employees of a well-known firm have enjoyed Christmas songs performed by middle school pupils.

Children at Combs Middle School in Stowmarket headed to Hillside Community Centre in the town for yesterday’s show.

The event, which has been running for more than 30 years, invites former members of staff who worked at Stowmarket’s ICI paint factory.

But it will be the last time the performance happens as the school is closing next summer because of the move from three-tier to two-tier education.

Serena Croft, head of music at the school, said: “It was fantastic, it went really well; I asked what the pupils thought on their way back from the community centre and they said it was awesome and great that the audience joined in.

“There was a real Christmas spirit and feeling; everyone certainly had fun.”

All the school’s musicians, from singers to guitarists to flautists, were invited to take part.

The performance included tunes from the Matilda musical, scores by choral composer John Rutter, and carols.