THERE was a huge song and dance at a Swindon primary school - but it was all for educational reasons.

Pupils at Westrop Primary School took part in a creative arts day on Monday, with a host of activities crossing the arts spectrum.

The youngsters swapped traditional lessons for classes on dance, singing, theatre art and drama after the whole school was divided into separate groups named after popular hit musicals - such as Cats, Wicked and Hairspray - and individually handed theatre tickets to be stamped as they made their way around a carousel of various workshops.

They even welcomed a professional dance teacher and a cheer-leading group to get the youngsters moving and shaking.

"Most schools wouldn't do something like this," said creative arts co-ordinator Mason Conlan, who organised the day.

"They would usually focus on something like maths but because it's approaching the end of term and because I think it's really important for children to explore a variety of subjects it seemed like a fun thing to do.

"Not everyone will go to University or follow academic professions so it's important children have as wide an experience as possible.

"Some of the children were a bit nervous at the staff and said they didn't like dancing but at the end of the day they all said they enjoyed it.

"There was great feedback from all the parents too, and the staff who said it was a really good idea.

"It went really really well. There was a bit of a shaky start until everyone realised what they were doing but after that it was brilliant."