A YEAR 8 Ilkley Grammar School student has organised and presented his own piano recital at Christchurch on the Grove.

Twelve-year-old Callum Whitton attracted an audience of over120 people for the recital on Saturday, March 9.

Callum had been inspired to raise money for local asylum seekers and refugees to the Bradford area.

Felicity Tomblin, of Wharfedale Action for Refugees, was delighted to receive a cheque for £700, which she will forward to Refugee Action’s Bradford office who will then ensure that any asylum seeker/refugee child starting secondary school in Bradford is sent to school with a full set of stationery.

She said: “I am astounded by Callum’s generosity – as a child’s necessary school equipment costs about £30, this fundraising will make a huge difference to many children’s lives.”

When all further contributions had been totted up, Christchurch had donated £362 and Callum’s concert had raised £721, giving a grand total of £1,083, or the equivalent of over 36 sets of pencil cases and school equipment for Bradford asylum seekers.

People from across the local community were treated to a wide range of piano music. Everyone was full of praise and admiration.

"His playing of the Beethoven Pathétique sonata made my heart expand. It is not surprising that he received a standing ovation at the end.

“We have all witnessed something very special here this evening,” said Rev Roberta Topham, the minister at Christchurch.

Other audience members commented: “Callum was witty, humble and confident.”;“Superstar!”; “Awesome!”;“His generosity will give local Bradford refugees a great start to their schooling here.”; “What an amazing thing to do from such a hard-working, talented young man!”; “We all loved the evening.”