SEVENTEEN school choirs will be battling it out in an annual competition.

It takes place at Westfield Derby throughout December before a live final on Friday, December 19.

The choirs, made up of pupils from years three to six, will each sing three carols to a live audience in the shopping centre.

Five schools will then be chosen to return for the final and the winning school will take home a cheque for £500.

Janine Bone, Westfield Derby centre manager, said: "The event has grown from last year's inaugural competition and it really brings some festivity into the centre.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the children to sing in front of a live audience and it's great to see the smiles on their faces."

Heats will be staged from 11.30am to 12.15pm every weekday until December 15 on Level 2 near Eat Central.

Griffe Field Primary and Markeaton Primary sang yesterday, Cavendish Close Junior, St Werburgh's Church of England Primary and Breadsall CE Controlled Primary will sing today, and Alvaston Junior, Chaddesden Park Junior and St Peter's Church of England Juniors will sing tomorrow.

Meadow Farm Community Primary, Silverhill Primary and Village Primary will be singing on Friday, and Asterdale Primary, Brackensdale Junior and Curzon CE Primary will perform on Monday.