MORE than 400 Hampshire school children swapped the classroom for the concert hall with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing at the Royal Albert Hall.

They joined hundreds of children from across the UK as part of a BBC Music 'Ten Pieces' concert, performing a special arrangement of Handel's 'Zadok the Priest'.

Twenty-six children from Otterbourne Church of England Primary School were involved and headteacher Alison Langrish said the project is inspirational.

"It was, without doubt, an experience that all those involved in will treasure," she said.

"The children were spellbound by the magnificence of The Royal Albert Hall, mesmerised by the prestigious orchestra and enthralled by the many ways each of the BBC 'Ten Pieces' were performed.

"Without exception, they each felt immensely privileged to have contributed to the brilliant performance of Handel's 'Zadok, the Priest' and, as their headteacher, I felt incredibly proud of each of them."

The event on Saturday (JULY18) helped kickstart the BBC Proms season.

As one of the BBC's 240 ten pieces champions, Hampshire County Council's music service has been working with 13 junior and primary schools on the piece since autumn.

The other Hampshire schools involved were: The Crescent Primary School, Eastleigh; Scantabout Primary School, Knightwood Primary School, both Chandler's Ford; Romsey Abbey Primary School; Hale Primary School, Fordingbridge, Kings Copse Primary School, Berrywood Primary School, both Hedge End; Orchard Junior School, Dibden Purlieu; St Mary Bourne Primary School, Andover, St Mary's Church of England Junior School, Old Basing; All Saints Junior School, Fleet; Alverstoke Church of England Junior School, and Bartley Church of England Junior School.