POMPEY defender Christian Burgess faces one of his sternest tests yet at Fratton Park next Monday.

He’ll be standing in front of the Fratton End. But he won’t be stopping opposition forwards – instead he’ll be reading from When the Grinch Stole Christmas!

That’s because Christian and other Pompey players will be at the Pompey Christmas Singalong, an exciting venture between the award-winning Pompey in the Community Scheme and St James’ Church, Milton and its pioneering Choir Church initiative, with an evening of seasonal songs, carols and readings for all the family.

Everyone is very welcome to join Christian in the Fratton End on Monday 16 December at 7pm for some festive fun. They’ll be joined by Pompey stars, bands from Portsmouth Grammar School and the Choir Church Singers from Meon Junior and Milton Park Primary Schools in Milton.

Christian said: “This will be a great evening. I’m really looking forward to meeting hundreds of young people from across Pompey – although I’ll be more nervous reading in front of them than I normally am playing in front of them.”

Clare Martin, Director of Pompey in the Community, said: “Pompey is at the heart of our community, so we’re delighted to work with Choir Church to share some Christmas spirit with our community”.

And Ally Ross, who leads the Choir Church Project at St James’ Church said: “Choir Church is all about getting into the community, serving it – and seeing what brilliant things happen. The Pompey Christmas Singalong is going to be a really brilliant thing. Everyone is welcome to join in the festive fun – and sing their hearts out from the Fratton End.”