15270VICTORIAN values are returning to a Trowbridge school as pupils prepare to roll back the years in the name of entertainment.

Up to 65 children, aged from 11 to 18, will be appearing in Clarendon School's production of Oliver, with many giving up their spare time for extra rehearsals leading up to the four-day show.

With classic songs like Consider Yourself, Omm-Pah-Pah and Food, Glorious Food set to rock the school hall next month, teachers have been working overtime to ensure the quality of costumes matches the performances.

Head of drama Alison Warren said some of the props had to be created from scratch.

"The most difficult prop to find has been a coffin," she said. "We have had to build it ourselves, as it has to be strong enough for children to sit on.

"For the costumes we have been going around all the charity shops in Trowbridge as in Victorian times children wore adult clothes cut off at the arms and legs."

Workshops will be held later this month for students to add their own distressed look to costumes, using sandpaper and cheese graters.

With former productions including West Side Story and Grease, Mrs Warren said this year she wanted to include more of the younger pupils.

Oliver will be held from July 14 for four nights, with tickets £7.50 for adults and £5 for concessions and students.