Primary schools across Carlisle are being urged to enter their Christmas play into Virgin Media’s national TV competition, to repeat the winning success the city had last year.

Pennine Way Primary School on Edgehill Road, Harraby, won 2018’s competition and had their play, ‘Robin Hood Saves Santa’, televised to four million Virgin TV customers last Christmas.

The school scooped a £5,000 prize, and got to work with TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, who narrated their play live on stage with the children.

The city's primary schools now have the chance to continue the city’s winning streak in 2019’s competition, and their play could also be made available, via on-demand, on Virgin TV during the festive season.

David Bouchier, chief digital entertainment officer at Virgin Media, said: “Pennine Way were worthy winners in 2018’s competition and it would be fantastic to see schools across Carlisle enter our Christmas Stars competition again.

“There are some brilliant prizes to be unwrapped this year; from working with the fantastic Stephen Mulhern and scooping £5,000, to epic experiences thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit West End show, School of Rock the Musical.

TV presenter Stephen Mulhern added: “O come, all ye teachers and parents across Carlisle, I’m so excited to once again join Virgin Media on the search to find the UK’s best primary school Christmas play!

“Whether it’s a traditional nativity or a new story featuring dancing reindeer and elves, I could be returning to a school in Carlisle to narrate their festive play, which will be shared with millions of Virgin TV customers this Christmas.”

To enter, visit www.virginmedia.com/christmas.

The competition will close on Tuesday, November 19.