A primary school's special Christmas performance is being shared with millions of people across the country after it came out on top of a competition run by Virgin TV.

Carlisle's Pennine Way Primary School came out on top of the competition to find the UK's best school play, dubbed Christmas Stars.

The top prize saw their production of Robin Hood Saves Santa professionally filmed and as part of the award, the children were joined by TV presenter Stephen Mulhern who took to the stage as the play’s narrator in front of a live audience of family and friends.

The play tells the story of the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham who plots to capture Santa to stop him from delivering Christmas gifts and joy to the people. Santa’s last hope rests with Robin Hood and his band of merry girls who have to pull off a daring rescue mission to free Santa so he can once again bring festive cheer.

The play will be available for Virgin customers to view on demand from today until December 31.

Stephen Mulhern said: “These schoolchildren are true Christmas stars and I had a blast narrating their feel-good festive play which Virgin TV customers will love watching over the holidays.”

The school's headteacher, Sue Blair, said: “We are beyond excited to have won Virgin Media’s competition. This is an unbelievable opportunity - when in our lives would we ever get the opportunity to let the children experience making a real life film and get to meet a real life famous person? It’s a wonderful way to acknowledge the talents of our staff and children alike."

A panel of judges comprising of members of Virgin Media’s executive committee, Stephen Mulhern, and Lisa Prime, BAFTA children’s events programmer, presided over a final shortlist of entries and praised the highly creative and imaginative submissions received.

Romy, who plays Maid Marion, said: “I feel very glad and privileged to be part of this experience. It was amazing – I will remember it for ever.”

Tayla (who plays one of the Merry Girls) and Leigh (who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham), added: “It was such a pleasure to meet Stephen and he was nice to us all and very funny.”

Campbell (who plays Carpenter Grotto) commented: “All the children at PWPS [Pennine Way Primary School] would like to thank the staff and the PTA for entering us into this competition. Without Mr Agnew [the drama teacher who wrote ‘Robin Hood Saves Santa’] and all the other adults this would have never happened. Best Christmas present ever.”

As well as getting to work with Stephen Mulhern the school has won £5,000.