PUPILS from a village primary school followed in the footsteps of professionals when they trod the boards at Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal.

Eighty-two youngsters, from Middleton Tyas CE Primary School, took part in a Christmas concert before a full house. It was the fourth year running that the school held its festive concert there.

The programme included singing and Christmas music, followed by three seasonal plays. Infants performed The Little Fir Tree, years three and four, Baboushka, and years five and six, Saint Nicholas. A raffle was held by the friends of the school.

Pupils joined parents for the school Christmas service, in the parish church of St Michael and All Angels. Older children told the Christmas story and the infants performed a nativity.

Other end-of-term events included a visit to Morris Grange Nursing Home, and a Christmas party with Punch and Judy, games and a visit from Santa.

John Ridley, headteacher, said: "It was an excellent end of term.