AN ELTHAM children’s choir which has bagged a spot at a global singing competition needs to raise £5,000 to travel there and compete.

Deansfield Primary School’s choir was successful in their audition for the international Eisteddfod festival in Wales where they aim to be crowned Children’s Choir of the Year in July.

News Shopper: Eltham school choir's plea for funds to get to global singing competition in Wales

But parents are struggling to raise the cash needed for accommodation and travel for 50 children and are calling on businesses to help and avoid the young singers being "devastated".

The talented performers, aged six to 10 years old, have performed at top venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Naval College, as well as for the Queen and Prince Philip at the reopening of Greenwich’s Cutty Sark.

News Shopper: Eltham school choir's plea for funds to get to global singing competition in Wales

Mum-of-two Keeley Bennett, whose daughter Evie Illing, 8, is a singer in the choir, said: "To have been successfully chosen from the vast amount of entrants is a massive achievement in itself and we are all immensely proud of them.

"They are gaining a fantastic reputation for their professionalism and beautiful voices, due to their inspiring music teacher Mr Moore who has worked tirelessly to create exciting opportunities for them."

News Shopper: Eltham school choir's plea for funds to get to global singing competition in Wales

The school and a team of parents have already raised more than £2,000 through fundraising events but say they need the help of the community for the final push.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Grangehill Road, added: "We are determined to try to reach our target, as after all their hard work and the excitement this has created amongst them, the disappointment of them being unable to compete due to lack of funds would be devastating for them."

Headteacher Jo Gordon said: "Our choir have shown remarkable dedication to hone the skills necessary to qualify for the Eisteddfod and we are very proud of them.

"This is a fantastic opportunity that they will remember for the rest of their lives, so the whole community is working together to ensure everyone can take part in this fabulous experience. We know they will do wonderfully well and sound fantastic too."

 To help the children get to the festival contact the school at office@deansfield.greenwich.sch.uk