Chester's intergenerational choir, the Sankofa Songsters, will give a special performance for the Royal Family this Christmas Eve. 

Based at Belong care village in the heart of Chester, the Sankofa Songsters have been invited to perform by royal request at ITV's Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert. 

The choir comprises members aged two to 100, including customers of dementia specialist Belong Chester, and children of The Nursery in Belong.  

They were invited by Her Royal Highness, Catherine the Princess of Wales, to lead the festive concert's 1,600-strong congregation, in a rendition of Away in a Manger. 

Thirty of the members made the 400-mile round trip to Westminster Abbey. 

Millions of viewers in the UK and around the world will also be able to tune in and watch the concert on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Christmas Eve. 

Their name, Sankofa Songsters, takes inspiration from the principles of Sankofa leadership, a Ghanaian concept acknowledging the need to reflect on the past in order to build a successful future. 

Ian Kearl, aged 91, was one of the Belong residents who sang at the concert, having joined the choir after losing his wife earlier this year. 

The former RAF pilot said: "This opportunity brought together both my love of singing and love of my community. 

"It was a very special day and being there with friends who have provided much support and camaraderie over the past year made it even more poignant." 

Ruth Sandbach, manager of the Nursery in Belong, said: "Our children couldn't have been more excited at this opportunity to travel to London and sing in front of the Princess of Wales and her family.

"It's a day which I'm sure will live in their memories for many years to come and we hope that the visit will be reciprocated in the future!" 

This year's service will feature personal stories of those who show love, empathy and kindness in their communities. 

The Sankofa Songsters were invited for their compassionate support of local people, and bringing older people and young children together. 

The group meets weekly at the City Road Belong care village to rehearse their performances, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to join.

Recent highlights include a Christmas carols service at Chester's All Saints Church, a community sing-along at the Hammond School, and Elders Week at Storyhouse arts centre.  

Choirmaster, Amanda Wrigley, said: "Singing brings people of all ages together in an incredibly uplifting and joyous way and provides an escape from day-to-day living challenges they may be facing.

"It has been an incredible journey to grow our choir over the past year, but we could never have imagined that it would lead to an opportunity as momentous as this."  

Caroline Ray, general manager of Belong Chester, explained: "The aim of integrating a children's nursery within our care village was very much about bringing young and old together under one roof.

"Children benefit from opportunities to learn from their older friends, who in turn value the sense of purpose and sheer fun that comes with spending time together." 

 As well as singing, the Belong offers integrated arts, crafts, mealtimes and excursions. 

More information about Ready Generations can be found here. 

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