YOUNG performers united with students from a special school for a one-off concert to raise more than £1,000 for Children in Need.

Aspiring actors, dancers and singers from Loughton Theatretrain joined children from Oak View School for a charity show at Lopping Hall on October 13.

The performance featured comedy sketches, dancing, a piano performance and solo and group singing.

Theatretrain director and former member Valentina Palmieri, 23, took over the group two years ago and has built pupil numbers from 14 to more than 50.

She said: "We were completely overwhelmed by the support from the audience. Knowing how much they were rooting for us and these children was amazing.

"I'm happy we gave everybody a night to remember and memories to look back on for many years to come."

For more information about joining Theatretrain, email loughton@theatretrain.co.uk.

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