BOISTEROUS Christmas melodies and lively dancing helped lighten the load of shoppers in Chingford.

Children, parents and staff from Longshaw Primary School entertained visitors at Sainsbury's at Chingford Mount to a wide repertoire of Christmas songs last week.

Live music was provided by head teacher Carol Kirkland on flute along with Lorna Heald, and Richard Kirkland on the violin who accompanied the 60-strong chorus.

Mrs Kirkland said: "The manager of Sainsbury's took pity on the entertainers on a bitterly cold night as we shivered by the entrance to the shop and invited us inside.

"He gave us a large tin of chocolates to share between us and his generosity was much appreciated."

The school, in Longshaw Road, Chingford, raised £350 which will be put towards additional resources.