�A school’s “glee club”, based on a popular TV programme, will be taking their singing skills to a school in Florida.

Bower Park School headteacher Mary Morrison and head of drama Cat Mallard set up the singing club based on the TV show Glee which sees a group of students form a show choir and compete in competitions.

‘Excited’

Mary said the club has given the children a boost and new opportunities. “Glee enthuses pupils and has given many self-esteem and confidence that they did not have before,” she said.

“Vocals are led by our Year 11 pupils and are amazing when working with the younger pupils.

“The difference in school is amazing and we have a real sense of cohesion and inclusion with the 55 members we have every week.”

Their performance list includes a range of songs chosen by the members from The Killers, Jessie J, Birdy and Irene Cara.

The children from the school in Havering Road, North Romford, have been raising money for their Florida trip for the past few months.

The group put on an event before Christmas, where they held a dinner and a performance, which raised more than �1,150.

They were also packing bags at Tesco Gallows Corner last weekend and raised �640. Other events have included non-uniform days, washing cars, selling raffle tickets and sales from the school tuck shop.

The pupils will be visiting Ridge Community School in Florida, for 10 days.

Mary said: “We are so excited. We will be working extremely hard in showcasing what we do here at Bower Park School. And we would like to thank all of the public who donated to help this happen.”

After their trip in February they will be inviting pupils from the school to Romford in March.