A THEATRE production of a Gothic classic proved popular with youngsters at a Darlington school, despite being in a foreign language.

About 280 pupils sat mesmerised at Hummersknott School and Language College while the Firewalk Theatre Company, from Zaragoza, Spain, acted out the story of Dracula in Spanish.

This was the first time the production company had performed in the North-East and only the second time they had performed in England.

But the response they received from students and teachers could lead to an annual visit by the group to North-East schools.

The group of five actors are normally seen performing plays in English for students in Spain.

Rupert Marshall, owner of the company and a performer, said: "It went incredibly well and all the students seemed to be gobsmacked.

"They all seemed to understand perfectly well and by the looks on their faces were enjoying it immensely."

Elizabeth McCardie, head of Spanish at Hummersknott, said she was overwhelmed by the theatre company and hoped to bring them back next year.

She said: "Teachers from as far away as Carlisle rang me to ask if they could bus their children down to us to see the performance."

Pupils from Haughton, Longfield and Carmel schools, and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College also attended Monday's performance.

For details of the theatre company call the school on (01325) 241191.