PUPILS at a Trowbridge primary school were given a treat when stars from the Theatre Royal Bath's panto paid a visit.

Cast members from Jack And The Beanstalk descended on Newtown Community School on Wednesday.

James McCourt, who plays Simple Simon, Kate Weston, who plays Jack and pantomime princess Rachel Mulcahy met pupils to offer performance tips and advice.

More than 70 children are preparing for the school's own pantomime Cinderella, due to be staged on February 11 and 12.

Teacher Michael Martin said: "The children are in the process of learning their lines and the numerous songs they will have to perform.

"Everyone had a marvellous day and some of the children will now be going to see Jack And The Beanstalk in Bath as a result."

Children and teachers were due to hand over a 200-name petition to highway officers at County Hall yesterday calling for a pedestrian crossing outside the school, after a 10-year-old pupil was knocked down as she left an after-school pantomime club.