Ref. 29759-29THE magic and wizardry of Harry Potter came alive in Swindon this week when pupils from Uplands School, in Penhill, performed their own musical version of JK Rowling's hit stories.

About 65 pupils, who have special needs took part in the musical on Tuesday. The show is loosely based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, modified to the school's needs.

Enormous efforts from staff and parents ensured the show was a school play with a difference. Staff called it the most ambitious show to date.

There were life-size puppets, a three-headed dog and a steam train, as well as more than 80 costumes, scenery and music written especially for the show.

Director Phil Joyner, who also played Professor Dumbledore, said: "It is not easy finding a story that is suitable to become a performance for an entire school.

"Harry Potter was a natural choice for this year's musical. Everyone loves the stories and films.

"In putting on a show, our kids have a great many additional problems to overcome compared with pupils in the mainstream.We try to equal anything they can produce and hope the audience is as proud of our pupils as we are."