THE gentle sounds of a centuries old choir echoed around the gangways of the new Westgate.

Magdalen College Choir performed in Leiden Square on Monday as part of the shopping centre's Christmas programme.

The internationally-renowned group, famous for its Carols by Candlelight concerts, sung traditional carols under the giant Christmas tree which has been suspended from the centre's roof.

Founded in 1480 and one of the four choral foundations in Oxford, the Magdalen choir has collaborated with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and composers John Ward and Thomas Tomkins.

It has experienced global success over the years including featuring on the soundtrack for BBC's Blue Planet and Richard Attenborough's film, Shadowlands and has toured Japan and the United States in recent years.