TEACHERS already know what stars pupils at Ladywood Primary School are ­— and this Christmas the rest of the country will too.

The school in Little Lever has been named runner-up in Virgin TV's Christmas Stars competition ­— a nationwide search to find the UK's best primary school play.

Now as well as winning £1,000, Ladywood School's pupils and staff will feature in a special television programme.

The school, rated outstanding by Ofsted, impressed a panel of judges with their entry for their festive production "Santa Needs Help".

The play is set in Santa’s workshop on Christmas Eve when disaster strikes; Santa’s sleigh won’t start as it has run out of Christmas spirit.

Each class has to dance, sign or sing to help pump up the Christmas spirit and get Santa and his sleigh off the ground and in the air.

The judges, which included members of Virgin Media’s Executive Committee; TV presenter, Stephen Mulhern; and Lisa Prime, BAFTA Children’s Events Programmer, praised Ladywood’s creativity and involvement of all pupils in the play.

To recognise the school’s achievement, Virgin TV has filmed children and staff singing and signing an original Christmas song, "Here’s Santa!"

The song, penned by local musician Ian Bamford, features at the end of the television production of ‘Robin Hood Saves Santa’ – by Pennine Way Primary School from Carlisle – the winners of the competition.

Sue Tailor, Head Teacher of Ladywood School, said: "Ladywood’s motto of ‘Believe and Achieve’ has truly come to fruition. It is an absolute honour to be part of a competition that showcases the amazing talents, enthusiasm and energy of pupils and staff at Ladywood alongside other primary schools.

“We are very proud of everyone. Merry Christmas from everyone at Ladywood.”

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, said: “A huge congratulations to Ladywood School for being named the runner up in our magical Christmas Stars competition.

“We loved their fantastic festive entry and we’re thrilled their catchy Christmas song will be shared with millions of Virgin TV customers over the holidays.”

Ladywood School’s Christmas song, ‘Here’s Santa!’ will be featured at the end of ‘Robin Hood Saves Santa’, via on-demand, from Thursday, December 20 until December 31.