STUDENTS from a Basingstoke school have helped to create a film as part of the Winchester Theatre Royal heritage project.

Year nine pupils from The Clere School, in Earlstone Common, Burghclere, took part in the final filming session in April at the Theatre Royal, in Winchester.

The film, which featured tree spirits and a mystical butterfly, was filmed in a copse outside the school and will be screened at the Winchester Royal Theatre as part of its heritage project during the summer.

The project aims to catch people’s stories and some of the hidden history of the theatre which has served as a hotel, cinema and theatre.

The idea for the heritage project arose from a customer response to the re-opening of the historic theatre in 2001, following a six-year refurbishment project.

During a heritage open weekend, 4,000 people were shown around the building and special memories from visitors were shared with tour guides and consequently applied to the Local Heritage Initiative for funding to undertake a history project.

Tamara Warner, drama teacher at The Clere said: “We are thrilled to host a workshop as part of such a prestigious event. This gives our students an opportunity to engage on a regional level and to showcase their artistic talents.”