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Children walking on air after winning Snowman role

Mustafa Chaudry and Ava Rajp have been chosen for a "once in a lifetime" opportunity

Two children from Birmingham have been chosen to perform a solo during a showing of the animated festive film The Snowman at the city's Town Hall.

Mustafa, 12, and Ava, 11, are helping to provide a live musical soundtrack for the professional production, singing the theme song Walking in the Air, alongside an orchestra.

It's been described as a once in a lifetime opportunity for the children, who both applied for the roles after seeing advertisements for auditions online.

Ava said: "I started jumping up and screaming and crying at the same time. I love singing so much because it makes me express my emotions, and it helps me feel a bit better when I feel down."

Both children attended auditions in Solihull in October.

Sharing in her excitement, Ava's dad Amit said: "We're very proud of Ava's achievements and what she's done with her singing.

"I don't think there will be a dry eye, I think I will be very tearful, but very proud."

Photograph of Birmingham town hall, a brick building.
Both children will be performing at Birmingham Town Hall, alongside an orchestra.

Both children are extremely passionate about singing, and have been rehearsing ever since they found out they had been selected to perform.

Mustafa said of his success: "My mum said 'just read this' and then I looked and they said 'congratulations you've won the audition'.

"I was so surprised, that I shouted. I didn't think it would be true. I thought I would never win it. It's really exciting."

The 1984 film is about a young boy who makes a snowman that comes alive and takes him on an adventure to the North Pole.

There are two showings on Sunday December 15, with the children taking a performance each.

Mustafa's mum Ashye said: "I am feeling super excited, but also super nervous.

"Really proud of him, I don't sing myself so I am quite proud that I have a son who sings and enjoys singing."

The show is being produced by Carrot Productions, and is touring the UK, with different local talented children staring in each show.

The aim is to give children opportunities in their home towns, rather than just London.

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