YOUNGSTERS from St Barnabas School brought some festive cheer to Oxford city centre yesterday.

They sang afternoon carols in the Clarendon Centre to raise money for Oxford Poverty Action Trust.

The charity provides shelter, food, day centres, clothing, advice and medical care to people in need.

Teacher Tania Redhouse said: “The children absolutely loved it and it is one of the highlights of their year.

“They did really well.

“It was a quiet start, but then they got into their groove with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Around 50 children aged between seven and 11 from the Jericho school took part in the event which was organised by city councillor Susanna Pressel.

She said: “It was quite moving to see harassed shoppers pausing, smiling and often giving generously, because the children clearly touched their hearts.”

It was not known how much money was raised by the children as the Mail went to press.