A BAND of Ryedale youngsters have done their performing arts school proud.

For the sixth year running children from the Kirkham Henry School of Performing Arts in Malton has provided the choir for a professional production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Around 40 seven to 15-year-old gave ten performances last week of the smash hit musical at the York Grand Opera House.

"Even the younger children didn't seem to get tired, they were so high," said Angela Kirkham from the school.

Some of the older children have been in every production for the past six years. On stage they wear a Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat T-shirt.

"These T-shirts are much-prized and some have six T-shirts in varying sizes."

She added: "One of the reasons why our students get asked back is because of their diction and pronunciation."

All the singers take national examinations. In fact this term all the students are working for exams in drama, singing and dance.

The next professional engagement will be the Think Floyd, Pink Floyd Tribute Concert in February.

"The children decided Another Brick in the Wall had to be sung with a southern accent," laughed Angela.

Updated: 11:20 Thursday, November 01, 2001