Appearing in church and school venues across the county, the African children sang to capacity crowds – with some folk enjoying the experience so much that they decided to go back for a repeat performance.

The Watoto "Concerts of Hope" were held on Thursday and Sunday nights in Pulteneytown Parish Church, Wick, and in St Peter's and St Andrew's Church, Thurso, on Friday evening and Sunday morning. Performances were also put on at Pulteneytown Academy, Wick South Primary School, Wick North and Wick High School.

Commenting on the Thurso concert, Mary Chalmers, an elder of St Peter's and St Andrew's Church, said: "It was absolutely impressive – it was a fantastic time."

She said the church had been packed on Sunday morning and those present were treated to a "brilliant concert", adding that the children were full of enthusiasm.

Mrs Chalmers, who is also the Church of Scotland convener of the Women's Guild for the presbytery, said the children were "brilliant to hear" and she had found their use of dancing and singing a "wonderful way of worshipping God".

Meanwhile, at Pulteneytown Parish Church, church officer Robert Chalmers said the Sunday evening concert had been packed out, with some school pupils coming to hear the African choir for a second time. He pointed out that this was the choir's third visit to the county.

Congregation clerk Frank Temple explained that the entourage – which consisted of around 19 child singers along with 10 helpers, including technicians – stayed at the homes of congregation members. He said the well-mannered children had been perfect guests. Many of the youngsters, some as young as seven, were fascinated by the concept of snow and were anxious to catch their first glimpse of a Scottish winter scene. Some of the choir members also commented on the weather and how cold they had felt.

Members of the Watoto Children's Choir entertain a capacity audience at St Peter's and St Andrew's Church, Thurso. John Baikie 07789 557586

Watoto's performances are a soulful blend of African rhythm, contemporary gospel and ethnic dance. Through their music the choir members share their unique stories and express their new-found hope. During the Caithness performances the children spoke about the way of life they had and shared their long-term aspirations.

The Watoto Children's Choir, from Uganda, has toured internationally since 1994. The singers bring a message of hope to many parts of the world. The choir is made up of children who are part of Watoto's programme.

The choir performs to present Watoto's vision and to give audiences the opportunity to respond to Africa's HIV/AIDS and civil war crises.

Watoto is a church-based organisation that cares for orphans and widows, with the goal of raising the next generation of Ugandan leaders. Vulnerable children are placed into new families, with each family consisting of eight children and a house mother who cares for them.

Although the concerts were free of charge, collections were taken during the performances. The next port of call on the tour is Dunfermline.

During one of the local performances some pupils from Pulteneytown Academy presented a cheque to the choir for £154. The pupils had raised the money by carol singing.

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