A BISHOP Auckland school is setting up a friendship link with an international choir of African children who spread the Aids-prevention message through music and dance.

The Watoto Children's Choir sang and danced for 800 pupils at St John's RC School yesterday, raising money at the same time for orphans and needy youngsters in Uganda.

The choir has toured schools and churches in the North-East to raise awareness of the plight of families in Uganda.

All of the children in the choir have lost one or both parents. They are supported by the Watoto charity - the word means "the children".

It gives them a home in a purpose-built children's village or by helping relatives take them in to their extended families.

After their morning concert at the school, the St John's dance team thanked the choir members by performing a routine.

Headteacher Gerard Moran presented the choir with £200 raised in the school and £500 from the sale of DVDs and tapes. He said: "The choir was fantastic. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and such joy."

On Sunday, worshippers at the Wear Valley Christian Centre, in South Church Road, enjoyed a performance by the choir and presented them with £1,500.