CHILDREN from Dorset have formed a virtual choir to keep their spirits up and spread a message of togetherness in a time where we feel so far apart.

Kids training at Stagecoach Performing Arts classes in Weymouth, Wareham and Dorchester were challenged by their principal to harmonise together in a virtual choir.

The classes have been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic and many of the youngsters are missing their performing arts training so they took on the challenge with vigour.

Rebecca Howden, Principal of Stagecoach in Weymouth, Wareham and Dorchester, said: "We've been trying to think of activities to keep the kids engaged with performing arts and we came up with the idea of sending out a track to them which they could record themselves singing along to, send back to us and we could edit the clips together.

"We want to keep the kids feeling positive and like they are still part of this group so this was one of the many things that we will continue to send out to them.

"I've heard quite a few parents saying that their children are missing Stagecoach. We have sent out some bitesize online classes for the kids to do but there is nothing like face-to-face classes."

The children harmonised to the 1972 song Lean On Me by Bill Withers. The song was picked by the children's singing teacher, Kerrie-Ann, who felt it was a relevant choice as it is about supporting and looking after each other in these challenging times.

24 children participated in the challenge, aged between five and 15, plus two of the Stagecoach teachers. The song was led by an ex-student from Weymouth, Luke Lorenz, a musician breaking into the industry.

Ms Howden said: "As an ex-student Luke gave an inspirational chat to the kids and let them know they can always develop themselves as performers and practice their skills so he started the song off for them.

"It's so great for the kids to see the final product of the song and to know that they are still part of a team."