A famous singer took part in a duet with a difference as she performed alongside north-east school pupils.
Katie Melua, who has sold millions of albums worldwide, was invited to give a concert at Alford Academy yesterday.
The visit was arranged by fifth year pupil Madeleine Lenthall, following a similar visit she arranged at the school in 2017 with the singer’s husband, World Superbike champion-turned-musician James Toseland.
The couple were welcomed by the academy pipe band before an assembly, where she was interviewed by Madeleine, before she performed her hit song “The Closest Thing To Crazy” with the school choir.
Following the assembly, the singer led a music workshop with pupils, while her husband spoke with another group about reaching the very top in sport.
She said: “I am excited to be in Scotland to meet the pupils and staff at Alford Academy.
“I was delighted when Madeleine invited me, as my husband James had a lovely time when he visited the school.
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone and performing some of my songs and I am sure we are in for a fun day.”
Alford Academy has a musical history, with Emeli Sande attending the old school as a child and also performing in the new campus.
Madeleine said: “We had such a great day when James last visited the school, so I asked him whether Katie might like to come to Alford, perform some of her amazing songs for us and share some of her experience with my fellow pupils.
“She kindly accepted and I can’t believe she is here.”
Alford Academy head teacher Moira Milne said both staff and pupils at the school were delighted to find out the singer and her husband were keen to visit the campus together.
She said: “We are very proud of Madeleine. She has worked hard to plan this visit and is so keen to share with her fellow pupils how Katie and James have inspired her.
“To have such positive role models with us for the day is wonderful. It’s been great to have James return following the positive reaction he had from pupils when he was last here.”
