CITY of York Council's programme of children's summer activities has kicked off with a carnival-style performance created entirely by youngsters.

Twenty-eight performers, aged between eight and 12, took part in a week-long summer school called Tell Tales at Millthorpe School.

The children, many of whom had no previous theatrical experience, took part in workshops to develop skills in drama, storytelling, music and prop making, and were challenged to devise and build a piece of drama based on folk tales. The week culminated in two performances.

This is the second year that the council has organised the arts service-run summer school, which operates on a "first come, first served" basis.

Colin Jackson, of the Arts Service, said: "With Tell Tales we liked the idea of seeing the children turn a 2D story into something 3D. They started with a blank page and let their imaginations run riot.

"There were no auditions for the summer school and it was a great way for many of the children, particularly those who had never performed before, to build up their confidence."

Further workshops in dance, story-writing and more will be taking place over the next few weeks.

Updated: 08:45 Tuesday, July 29, 2003