A SINGER who has performed for the Queen and Prince Philip is keeping children entertained during lockdown.

Professional singer Ami Hawthorn, from Leigh, has performed for some of the biggest names in the world, but she set up a new business named Quackers in 2012.

The venture involved Mrs Hawthorn bringing old classic nursery rhymes, 1980s classics, musicals and film favourites back to life with the aid of puppets.

Quackers sessions took place five times a week at the Leigh Community Centre but, due to the outbreak of coronavirus, Mrs Hawthorn has been entertaining the club’s members thanks to the wonders of modern technology.

Echo: The Queen

Royalty - Ami Hawthorn has performed for the Queen

She said: “During the current pandemic, I had to organise an online alternative and went live on March 19 via the Zoom app from my dining room.

“It has been challenging to say the least. It has been very hard to keep going at times but I am grateful for those diehard Quackers that have supported me and enabled me to keep going as I know how hard it has been for people.

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“It is a pay as you go 45 minute class incorporating puppets, dancing, parachutes, flying ducks and bubbles and all the songs are sung live by myself.

“There is a lot of laughter and I’m very lucky to do what I do.”

Having become a mother, Mrs Hawthorn took on the new challenge of developing Quackers due to wanting to work with children.

Quackers has proved to be a smash hit for the 44-year-old.

Mrs Hawthorn added: “I was honoured to win Essex Mums Best Independent Class in 2018 after being a runner-up for so long. It was fantastic seeing my small class in Leigh up against the entire county.

“I am very proud to be nominated again this year in four categories.

“Quackers has evolved, is interactive and a lot of fun for adults as well as children.”

Mrs Hawthorn has performed for people from all walks of life during an impressive career.

She has sung for royalty and a Prime Minister and looks back on her previous life, before establishing Quackers, with great fondness.

Mrs Hawthorn admitted: “Quackers is very different to my other performance experiences singing for the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle and 10 Downing Street for Gordon Brown’s Prime Minister Garden Party with the British Army Bands.

“To have audiences applaud you and to be able to dress up in your finery and visit these beautiful venues, I consider myself very lucky indeed.”

For more information, visit quackersmusic.co.uk.