A pupil at Ripon’s Outwood Academy is celebrating after winning gold at the World Choral Cup.
Year 7 student Michael Chihobvu is a member of the Choice Children’s Choir of Zimbabwe, which competed at the World Choral Cup in Barcelona.
Competing against 54 choirs, Zimbabwe scooped Gold for its Western performance in the children’s division.
The group also secured a Silver award in the folklore division and was one of a select number of acts to perform at the competition's opening ceremony.

Although known for its traditional Zimbabwean music and dance, the choir gave several performances throughout the competition, singing in a range of languages including Shona, Latin, English and isiNdebele.
Despite being over eight thousand miles away from the rest of the choir, Michael was able to join group rehearsals via video calls and get extra practice in at school break times.
Michael said:
“The competition was a thrilling experience for me after doing most of my practice online.
“I had to wake up very early for rehearsals because of the time difference and I also had to give up my break times to practice in the school music room.
“Winning gold was a huge achievement and it showed me that hard work pays off.”
Michael is currently looking for a local choir to join.


150 homes planned for green belt land near Harrogate
'Bonkers' burlesque show returns to Harrogate
North Yorkshire residents urged to recycle more household waste
Apple Throwing Championships return to Newby Hall
MPs urge Prime Minister to make A64 dualling a priority
Police appeal after radiator stolen from Ripon property
Ukrainian city thanks Knaresborough residents for ongoing humanitarian aid
New venue revealed for Harrogate vintage car meet
Body of man in his 60's discovered in Ripon canal
Harrogate MP vows to keep fighting for end-of-life choice
Holiday park expansion planned to meet need for more spacious pitches
Storm overflow investigation to begin on Stray in Harrogate
Ferrari worth more than £2 million spotted in Harrogate
Historic Ripon buildings open their doors for Heritage Open Days
Martin House doctor shares realities of children's palliative care in new book
Work gets underway on new Gail's Bakery in Harrogate
Police explain why more serious charges were not brought in Bailey Chadwick case
Wetherby MP accuses Prime Minister of 'class warfare' over Linton asylum plans
Ripon athlete launches extraordinary Three Peaks charity challenge
New pre-school officially opens in Harrogate


