The town of Blackburn came together in perfect harmony to thank local hospital workers for all their hard work during the pandemic.

A hugely moving concert and documentary, Blackburn Sings Christmas with Gareth Malone, was aired on BBC2.

Gareth visited hospital staff from both Blackburn and Burnley, the market hall, Blackburn Youth Zone, people who had been helped by hospital staff, pubs and the Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band.

He spent six weeks in the town working with the singers and performers to compose and learn songs before performing the concert in the indoor market hall.

Last year, Blackburn with Darwen was hit with the highest Covid-19 rates in country and Gareth wanted to bring the community together for Christmas to thank the health workers in the area.

The final concert will be an emotional thank you to the local hospital, an uplifting celebration of community, and a chance to bring some festive joy to the nation.

Hospital porter Stephen used to be a singer before the pandemic and, because of his experience, Gareth challenged Stephen to perform a classic Christmas song to dedicate to all of those who were isolating during the pandemic.

Gareth went around with a home carer to speak to those who were isolating to talk about what Christmas used to be like for them and record their testimonies to use as part of the song.

Gareth said: “I thought they were all lovely and there was so much character in their voices.”

As well as Stephen, paramedic Justin told Gareth how he had attended funerals of colleagues who lost their lives to the virus.

He and Gareth together wrote new lyrics to Good King Wenceslas to reflect the life lives by paramedics during the pandemic.

Other performers included Clifton Arms landlady, Carole Davies, with whom he helped deliver Christmas food packages to people who were vulnerable to the virus and isolating - something which Carole started with her regulars in lockdown.

Tanviha, a local mother who give birth by caesarean, before being put into an induced coma due to her struggles with Covid, also featured in the show.

Teenagers Ray and Maddison, from Blackburn Youth Zone performed a due with their own original song as well as a cover of Silent Night.