CHIPPENHAM NEWS: HUNDREDS of guests packed into St Patrick's Primary School, Corsham for a rousing musical depicting the Easter story.

Hosanna saw 90 pupils entertain audiences on Tuesday and Wednesday night as the school marked the last week of term in style.

The topical musical told the story of Christ's arrest, trial, death and resurrection in front of 400 guests in the school hall.

While year five pupils took on the acting roles, younger pupils in years three and four provided the singing support.

Director and deputy headteacher Rita McLoughlin, put the youngsters through their paces during three and a half weeks of rehearsals helped by teaching colleagues Mary Earing and Peta Johnson.

Hosanna is the school's main production this year and headteacher Kieran Loftus said it was a big hit with parents on both nights.

He said: "We have had a very enthusiastic response from those who attended.

"Our performances have tended to be at Christmas in the past but because Easter is very much the heart of the Christian year we decided to make this the focus for our musical.

"We are very keen to bring the message to our pupils that Easter is an important part of the year."