CHILDREN from three Worcestershire schools will be singing their hearts out in CrownGate this weekend to be named the Free Radio Christmas Stars winner.

Leigh and Bransford Primary, Hollymount and Perdiswell Primary schools will go head to head on Saturday (December 6) in Chapel Walk after being selected as the three finalists.

They were shortlisted by the voting public and have been preparing two songs in order to impress a panel of judges in the final.

The event takes place from noon, in Bell Square and is due to last 2 hours.

Lucy Tedds, teacher at Leigh and Bransford Primary School, said they were delighted for the children.

"Our musical theatre group is an afterschool club of 34 children from Year 2 to 6," she said. "We rehearse every week all year for a performance at the coach house theatre, Malvern in June.

"We entered the children into the Free Radio Christmas Stars and we are so excited to be through to the finals.

"They are all dedicated, confident and talented individuals who have worked really hard on both of the songs.

"We have to say a huge thank you to every one who voted as we were the only small school left in the final five so we needed lots of support behind us."

The festive fun won't end there this weekend as on Saturday there will also be free face painting in Friary Walk, by Funky Faces from 10am until 4pm, taking place in the area by Father Christmas.

The Christmas spirit will be kept up on Sunday (December 7) when there will be two live reindeer in Bell Square, Chapel Walk, CrownGate, from the Cob House in Worcestershire.

Baby Dasher and his mum, Comet will be in the centre and people can visit the reindeer and feed them from noon until 3pm.

These Christmas activities over the festive period are free of charge, thanks to CrownGate Shopping Centre and support from Worcester BID.