Youngsters are warming up their vocal chords to make sure their performance of a Christmas classic puts them at the top of the class.

Hundreds of children at schools across the county are preparing to take part in our Sing For Your School competition.

It gives children the chance to perform Christmas carols and win prizes for themselves and their school. The X Factor-style competition is split into two categories – primary and secondary.

The winning choirs in both categories will get a £5,000 prize, while the two runners-up will get £1,000. If your school is yet to sign up, don't worry – there's still time to take part.

To enter, all you need to do is get a class or choir to sing its favourite Christmas carol in front of a video camera.

Convert your video into a suitable digital format, then log on to our website below and follow the simple instructions.

The closing date is Saturday, November 1.

The more entries you submit, the greater chance of winning.

The two winning choirs will feature on BBC Radio Leicester's Sing Christmas live broadcast on Thursday, December 18.

Schools already registered include: Barwell Infant School; Enderby Danemill Primary School; Great Bowden C of E Primary School; Crown Hills Community College, Leicester; The Lancaster School, Leicester and Saint Peters Catholic Primary School, Earl Shilton.

E-mail us at the address below, with your school contact details, and we will soon be in touch.

singforyourschool@ leicestermercury.co.uk

You can also visit the Mercury website for details on how to take part:

www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk