SCHOOLCHILDREN from Frinton were treated to a theatre workshop with panto professionals at Clacton’s Princes Theatre.

More than 120 pupils from Frinton Primary School watched the professional production of Peter Pan at the theatre on Monday.

And they were invited to stay on for a special workshop after the show.

Captain Hook and Nicole the Pirate, played by Darren Tough and Becky Taylor-Grayson, led the workshop and taught the youngsters one of the dances from Peter Pan.

Theatre manager Kai Aberdeen also took them on a backstage tour to give them a glimpse behind the scenes of the pantomime.

Similar sessions will be held for other Tendring schoolchildren and more than 2,000 pupils across the district will be given discounted entry to see the show.

Peter Pan has been put on by Polka Dot Pantomimes with Tendring Council and will be performed all over the festive season in Clacton.

Interim council leader Paul Honeywood hopes the pantomime performances and workshops will inspire the next wave of budding actors.

He said: “This year they may be here with their friends from school watching the panto and next year they may be inspired to come along to the auditions and try to land a place in the chorus teams.”