Barnet's youngsters have earned themselves starring roles in the Queen Mother's 100th birthday celebrations.

At the birthday pageant in Horse Guards yesterday, 12-year-old Dominic Kraemer from Finchley Children's Music Group stole the show. The young soprano was chosen to release 100 white birds and then sing Oh for the Wings of a Dove in front of 12,500 guests.

Dominic, whose father Nicholas is a conductor, was chosen for the prestigious solo after his performance at the military tattoo in front of the Queen last week.

'He was the obvious choice,' said the pageant's assistant director Joan Lane.

'He wasn't phased by the crowds at all, and he has a beautiful voice.'

And another Kraemer in the spotlight was Dominic's brother Daniel, nine, who also performed in the pageant.

But it wasn't only the Kraemers flying the flag for the borough's musical talents at yesterday's event ,, as the voices of three Barnet boys: Nicholas Tate; Matthew Cansick; and Flann Corcoran, could be heard within the St Paul's Cathedral choir.

And Southgate's Chicken Shed theatre had its own slot in the show which included a reading from 92-year-old John Mills and the performance of a song written especially by Chicken Shed directors Jo Collins and Paul Morall.

Pupils from two Finchley schools ,, Christ's College and Moss Hall School ,, also participated, while tiny tots from Finchley Children's Music Group ran out as miniature crumbs from her majesty's giant inflatable cake, decorated in marzipan and icing.