Yorkshire teachers bursting into song to dispel gloom over coronavirus crisis

An impromptu sing-a-long has been hosted by sixth form teachers at The Mount School in York, to bring a little light in a time of uncertainty.

And with the video, comes a message of hope. That despite any anxiety, there can always be song.

"We took it upon ourselves to lift spirits," said Michael Spiers, head of college.

"It's about trying to maintain normality, even when we don't normally go into form class with a guitar.

"There is hope and there is still joy, that can be garnered from singing."

With this week marking St Patrick's Day, Mr Spiers and head of English Adam Pearson began with Fields of Athenry, followed by Wild Rover and English Rover.

In keeping with the spirit of togetherness, there were also renditions of Wonderwall, and The Proclaimers' I Would Walk 500 Miles.

The Mount School is a Quaker independent and boarding school in York, first founded in 1785, and a fifth of its students are boarders.

"We were aware it was an opportunity for us to talk to the girls, about any concerns they had," said Mr Spiers. "To say we are there for them, and that this will continue.

"They left the room happy, and that was exactly what we set out to do. They need that reassurance, that everyone is committed and that they are being cared for."

The school, with technology systems in place, says it is fully capable of delivering lessons online were such a move to be necessary.

There is potential within any situation, adds Mr Spiers, to find a little hope.

"The world is at one of these significant times where these is anxiety, and uncertainty," he adds.

"Human resolve can rise to that. People can embrace those around us - although by sticking to a two metre radius - and together we can overcome this."