TALENTED past and present pupils have been busily planning, recording and producing Ortu Gable Hall's first ever Christmas album – with proceeds going towards Thurrock Foodbank.

The move is to lift spirits after the school had to cancel its annual Christmas Showcase and the digital album will be ready for release after 2pm today (Monday, 7 December).

And with just 1,000 copies available, fans, parents and supporters are encouraged to visit the school's website quickly to ensure they order their copy – and avoid disappointment.

Karina Latham, Lead Practitioner for Creative Arts, explained how the album come about.

"This year has been a tricky year for everyone. At Gable Hall, we always pride ourselves on putting on great performances for our friends, families and community – particularly at our annual Christmas showcase.

"Obviously, the show was cancelled and between the students, Mrs Beamish, our Head of Music, and me we came up with the ambitious plan to develop, create, perform and produce a 2020 Gable Hall Christmas album.

"We've had a lot of help, not only from students, vocalists and musicians across all our year groups, but also our alumni students, Harry Manby, 18, a recently graduated tech student who helped produce and ex-pupil and TikTok and X Factor singer Jennifer Owens, 24."

A total of 17 current and ex pupils were involved in recording the album at the school's in-house recording studio.

It took three days to record the 16-song Christmas mix tape. Songs include modern and traditional Christmas classics including 'Jingle Bell Rock', 'Last Christmas', 'Silent Night' and 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'.

As long-time supporters of its local community, the school will be asking for £5 for each downloaded copy which will be donated straight to the Thurrock Foodbank.