HEROES battled a giant and saved a golden egg laying chicken from exploitation in a spectacular end of term performance to remember.

Year 1 pupils from West Park Academy, in Darlington, spent weeks rehearsing before presenting a musical adaptation of the classic fairy-tale Jack and the Beanstalk.

A packed audience of family and friends enjoyed a performance by the five and six-year-old boys and girls who sang, acted and danced their way through the tale of good versus evil.

A beanstalk grew from the stage as the special effects wowed the audience and the giant, an array of little clouds and the chicken joined Jack and his mother in a chorus of songs from the almost 60-strong cast.

Headteacher Catherine Thompson said: “The children only began rehearsing three weeks ago and have worked extremely hard to learn the songs, words and steps. They have done incredibly well, particularly in front of such a large audience.”

Visitors were also treated to a first glimpse of the school’s new bandstand and adventure trail before the pupils read them stories specially written for the occasion.

Over the past few months, staff and pupils at the school have been raising funds for the adventure playground and outdoor classroom.

The school has already received a grant from the Ministry of Defence and has been raising additional funds to help create a sensory garden, activity trail and outdoor shelter for use by pupils and the local community.