the Jim Henson’s of the future took to the stage for a puppet show they had created themselves.

Children at St Philip and James Primary School’s new puppet club, dubbed the Phil and Jim Puppet Theatre Company, performed a version of the traditional tale The Drummer Boy in front of an audience of parents and booklovers.

The club was set up at the start of the term, and has 12 members.

Youngsters designed and made the puppets, operated them during the show at Barefoot Books Studio in Summertown yesterday and narrated the story.

Learning support assistant and club leader Amanda Morley said: “It’s about trying to find creative ways for children to engage with literature. The kids get lots of different things out of it on different levels.”

Zakkai Goriely, 10, said he had really enjoyed taking part.

He said: “We are really looking forward to our next production which will be at Christmas, which is the Snow Queen.”