YOUNGSTERS soaked up the sunshine yesterday while they watched a schools gala performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company performed the play in Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool, as part of the town's week-long Youth Arts Festival Word of Mouth.

Claire Munroe, marketing officer at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "With sumptuous costumes and an enchanting original music score, Romeo and Juliet was sure to be one of the festival highlights."

The festival,which runs until Sunday, features a host of activities around the town, including a day-long street festival on Saturday.