YOUNGSTERS at a York primary school were treated to a production of War Horse by drama students from a school in County Durham.

Year 5 and 6 pupils at Tang Hall Primary School welcomed secondary school pupils from High Tunstall College of Science in Hartlepool and their drama teacher Ellie Hopwood, along with puppet horses, including War Horse, Joey.

The visiting students, aged 11 to 16, performed their War Horse production for the children, which brought the story to life.

War Horse is a play based on the book of the same name by children's writer Michael Morpurgo, adapted for stage by Nick Stafford.

Year 5 teacher at Tang Hall Primary, Laura Hampshire, who organised the visit, said: “Our children have been studying the book as part of their English work and immersing themselves in the history of the First World War.

“This production has been a wonderful culmination of our learning this half term.

"The children have thoroughly enjoyed the production and especially enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the puppets and step into character themselves.”

The play follows the powerful and touching story of Joey and his human companion Albert through the tragedies of the First World War.

Miss Hampshire said the children were “fully immersed in the story”.

Brooke Hayward, a Year 5 pupil, said: “The puppets were so realistic I forgot that there were people controlling them.”

Riley Mulhearn, who is also in Year 5, added: “The entire performance was breathtaking.”