Deaf choir felt 'proud and brave' to sing at MOBOs

Eight deaf pupils from Northern Counties School attended the MOBO Awards in Newcastle

A deaf choir who signed a music video which was played at the MOBO Awards have said they felt "proud and brave".

Thirteen students from Jesmond's Northern Counties school performed at the ceremony in Newcastle on Tuesday.

The MOBO Awards was founded in 1996 and celebrates black culture and music in the UK and beyond.

Student Liam said he would "remember it for the rest of my life", while pupil Kameron said "to feel included was great".

Arya Starr became the first African woman to win best international act as well as the first woman to be recognised as best African music act in 16 years, while Central Cee made history by becoming the first artist to win the best male act award three times.

Northern Counties School, part of the Percy Hedley Foundation, is a specialist school for children with disabilities aged three to 19 years old.

The students recorded a video to God Gave Me Feet For Dancing by Ezra Collective which was played to the musicians in the Utilita arena.

The pupils were among other local schools invited by Newcastle and Gateshead councils to get involved in the video and eight of the 13 attended the awards.

Choir leader Mandy Davison (right) said her pupils' performance "highlighted the importance of inclusivity"

Liam, 15, said he "felt proud and brave to be a part of it", adding that the "atmosphere was buzzing".

Sophie, 17, who also went to the awards, said she felt "included".

Kameron, 14, said he was not involved in things previously because of his autism and added it was "great to be included".

Choir leader Mandy Davison said: "The attendance of our students at the MOBO Awards highlighted the importance of inclusivity, proving to the students that their talent deserves a spotlight, no matter their differences.

"The MOBOs coming to Newcastle is a fantastic moment for the North East, and having our students in the spotlight makes it even more special."