CHILDREN from the YSBD (You Should Be Dancing) Theatre Academy enjoyed a 'truly magic evening' when they performed with Russell Watson at the Manchester Monastery.

The evening was entitled A Candlelit Christmas, and the academy youngsters performed two songs on their own - Hallelujah and Adiemus.

They then performed four songs with Russell - Fix You, When We Were Young, Panis Angelicas and Silent Night, and also sang during the audience carol participation section.

"Russell Watson was wonderful and so kind and lovely to the children, and he and Simon Chalk, the musical director, made us all feel very welcome," said principal Hannah Goodwin.

"Simon came to the dressing room to thank the students after the performance and said he would love to come to the academy and work with them all again. Russell said the YSBD choir 'sounded sublime'.

"The children had an incredible time and we were all so excited to perform and work with Russell.

"They were all on such a buzz after the show, as were the parents and the YSBD team.

"It was a truly magical evening and we are all so proud of our students.

"They showed complete professionalism, and it will definitely be an evening we will always remember at YSBD Theatre Academy.

"The evening was magical and the monastery was candlelit, offering a beautiful venue which captured the festive ambience."

Ian Curran from the Handshake Ltd team which produced the show said: "The YSBD students were a true highlight of the night.

"We are always keen to work with the talented teachers and students at the YSBD Theatre Academy."

The academy is enrolling new students, first classes are free and for details visit ysbdtheatreacademy.com Info@ysbd.co.uk or call 07738 164232.