After hours of rehearsals, the concert was led by the acting head of Portsmouth Music Service, Sue Beckett, who believes the boys have paved the way to singing success.

She said: 'Because there is a stigma about boys singing I wanted to do something to raise the profile and status of it and to encourage others go get involved.

'What the initiative has done is increase the confidence of the boys.'

Sing Up's aim is for every primary school-aged child to experience a high quality singing activity every day.

Over four weeks the boys came together for two hours every Tuesday to rehearse at Fernhurst Junior School in Portsmouth.

More than 400 proud parents and family members turned up to see the boys perform, and Sue was delighted with their performance.

She added: 'It has been very successful.

'None of the boys knew what to expect, but they loved it.'

One of the schools to take part was St Swithun's Catholic Primary School based in Taswell Road, Southsea.

Acting headteacher Liz Bradbury said: 'All of the boys thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience – one went from not being able to stay in the rehearsal room as it was too noisy to performing with a big smile on his face.'

Sean Molloy, aged nine, from Year Four in the same school, said: 'I think singing is very important, as it gives me a way to speak to God even if you can't find the right words.'

Denzel dela Pena, also nine and from Year Four, added: 'I love singing every type of song – it makes me feel happy inside.'

Among the songs sung were Engine Engine Number Nine, Hold On Just A Little Bit Longer and Boom Chica Boom.

The high-profile event was filmed for a DVD release later on in the year, and even attracted two representatives from the Sing Up campaign.

Nationally-renowned specialist in boys' singing Peter Hunt helped the boys with their singing.

Sue added: 'This unique opportunity is fantastic for the boys' confidence as singers, and is an occasion they are sure to remember.

The next set of choir rehearsals will be on April 2 between 4pm and 5pm at St John's Primary School, Portsmouth.

For more information contact Sue Beckett on (023) 9231

5815.