YOUNGSTERS overcame all obstacles to stage a sell-out production of Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat last week.

Year five and six pupils at Greenland Junior School, South Moor, Stanley, had planned to stage the show at the Stanley School of Technology, but were unable to because of construction work.

Undeterred, and with the help of the community, they set about raising money to hire the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley.

Deputy headteacher Lynn George said: "Pupils raised £1,200 through a sponsored bounce. The parents and everyone have rallied around.

"The production has been a real joint effort with the Stanley School of Technology, who have been involved in constructing the set and props and sewing costumes.

"All the music was orchestrated on computer by music technician Peter Roberts."

The cast, joined by three students from Stanley School and year three and four pupils in the choir, played to an audience of 400.

Greenland Junior School was recently ranked among the top 100 most improved schools in the country.