AN internationally renowned children’s choir from Uganda has been bringing the sights and sounds of Africa to life for Stourbridge schoolkids.

Kinver Methodist Church and Wollaston schools The Ridge and Ridgewood High are among the borough venues that have been playing host to concerts and traditional African music, dance and drumming workshops by The Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir this week, which have been laid on as part of a mammoth UK fundraising tour.

This 20-strong choir comprises children from the Molly & Paul Childcare Foundation Schools in Uganda, who all come from backgrounds of incredible hardship.

Many members are orphans - their parents having died from the killer diseases of their homeland such as AIDS and malaria.

It is hoped the UK tour, which runs until December 9, will not only boost the profile of the charity but also raise enough vital funds to keep the Foundation schools running.

Many of their performances are taking place at schools and churches across the country; they also have a date at London’s South Bank and have already performed at the Eden Project and Truro Cathedral in Cornwall.

They will be at St John The Baptist Church, Hagley, on Saturday November 15; at The Kingswinford School on Monday November 17 and Earls High School on Wednesday November 19. All concerts start at 7pm.

To find out more about the choir go to website - pearlofafrica.org.uk or call volunteer co-ordinator Kate Oakley on 07791 680204.