Pupils from years 3,4,5 and 6 at Hempnall Primary School stepped back in time for their Christmas production last week.

To tie in with their autumn term work on the second world war, the juniors broke from tradition to perform 'Archibald's War' – an all-singing-and-dancing musical about a teddy bear who goes missing during an evacuation from the city to the countryside.

All 46 children had something to say plus seven songs that offered a great deal of insight into life in the second world war. Due to the many female parts, several boys bravely offered to dress up as the village women.

Despite more than 100 chairs being set out, there was standing room only in the hall over the two days at the south Norfolk primary school, which has fewer than 90 pupils.

Headteacher Miriam Elston, upon seeing the show in its entirety for the first time, said: 'I am amazed it all came together. The only problem is I don't know how we can top this next year!'

The younger children performed a more traditional play called 'Fishing for Stars'.