BELLINGHAM school children are bringing the term to an end with an almighty roar in their first summer production for a number of years.

Over 100 children from all year groups at Bellingham Middle School took part in Pirates of the Curry Bean which on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday evening was showcased to proud onlookers.

English lead Helen Samuels, who joined the school this academic year, first brought back Christmas productions last Christmas with Cinderella Rockerfella. And now Pirates of the Curry Bean, the comedy by Craig Hawes, has re-started the tradition of summer musicals for the school.

Mrs Samuels said: “It has been very inclusive and very much about building the childrens’ performance skills, dancing and singing and being able to act with conviction.

“We have really pushed public speaking and presentation skills this year in terms of building up resilient learners, and skills like drama really help with that.

“Some of the children have really come out of their shells and the quality and the talent of what they are producing is something I am really proud of. They have reached a point where they are owning the play and understand how to give a great performance.

“There are wonderful facilities here so it is about bringing it back to life, and to see the children up there has been quite special.”

As well as pupils and staff, community members Sally Bell and Pat Wilkinson have been instrumental to the success of the show, through creating and donating props for the musical. Bellingham Drama Club also allowed the school to borrow props and helped set up the lighting.