Pupils at a primary school have created their own unique take of a famous opera by working alongside staff at the Royal Opera house.

Year 3 and Year 4 students at Thomas Willingale School in Loughton successfully conducted composer Georges Bizet's ‘Carmen' in front of teachers and families.

A member of staff from the Create and Sing scheme at Covent Garden visited the school to watch the performance and was delighted with their acting and singing.

She said: "I really enjoyed the way they threw themselves into the production, and how they seemed very relaxed and having so much fun."

Aside from keeping the iconic score the same, youngsters were given the freedom to decide on the whole production.

Headteacher Teresa Phillips said: "The children rose to the challenge and it was fabulous to see them shine at a musical genre they are probably unfamiliar with.

"We are incredibly proud of them as were their parents and families who came to watch.

"We are committed to the arts and give children a chance to succeed in as many different ways as we can.

"We are very fortunate to have a fantastic Music leader Rachel Bartels who is always forward-thinking and never relents in her passion for children enjoy music and performing."