Primary school leavers shone in a unique production of Oliver! earlier this week.

Year 6 pupils at Aldington Primary School performed the show while social distancing, requiring special props such as litter pickers.

The budding actors auditioned via the internet and begun rehearsals apart, before being able to properly rehearse together upon returning to school in June.

Complete with costumes, set and an audience, the 10- and 11-year-olds wowed onlookers throughout their outdoor performance.

Deputy head Ben Dawson said; "It was brilliant, the kids have put a lot of work in despite the recent difficulties and the show turned out excellent.

"It was certainly a unique performance - because of social distancing they had to use litter pickers during 'Pick a pocket or two', and used various props to keep a safe distance throughout the show.

"It was really nice that they could do it, because other schools have knocked their Year 6 productions on the head this year.

"As a school we didn't, because we wanted to give them a bit of normality. They've risen through the school watching all the previous Year 6 shows and we thought it was only fair to give them the opportunity."

Mr Dawson thanked all of the teachers and parents involved for their massive amount of effort, particularly Mrs Milward and Miss Burden.

He also noted the continuing work of all Aldington Primary staff throughout the pandemic, thanking them for their dedication and hard work.

The play was a shortened version of the classic musical, albeit with almost all of the songs kept in.

When asked what he'd say to the performers, the deputy head said: "I just think they've set about doing it so well and it shows they can achieve anything they want.

"They managed to pull together a really good performance in a really difficult position."

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