IAN CLARKE The dream is over for dozens of East Anglian youngsters.After a long wait caused by a range of technical problems, children from local schools which had entered the BBC Joseph Choir competition heard they had missed out on the coveted top prize.

IAN CLARKE

The dream is over for dozens of East Anglian youngsters.

After a long wait caused by a range of technical problems, children from local schools which had entered the BBC Joseph Choir competition heard they had missed out on the coveted top prize.

Brampton Primary in East Ham, London, was picked by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber and composer Howard Goodall to perform live during this weekend's final of the Any Dream Will Do contest.

About 850 schools nationwide entered the choir competition and entered 60-second clips of children singing

They included Thetford's Norwich Road Community Primary, Dereham Toftwood Junior, Wisbech Grammar Junior Section, Coltishall Primary, Hillcrest Primary in Downham Market, and Gisleham Middle.

The schools could still be among the 20 runners-up who will receive a certificate as Joseph finalists.

They will be announced next Monday on the website www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/competition.

The BBC said the standard of young choirs had been “incredibly high” and the corporation again apologised for the technical problems which led to it scrapping on-line voting after claims of block voting.

The 21 finalists were picked by an expert panel before Lord Lloyd-Webber and Mr Goodall selected the winner.

A BBC statement said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the competition. We have been absolutely amazed by the standard of entries we have received.”