FUR and face paint filled a school stage for a student production of The Lion King.

The Disney classic was reenacted by pupils at St Helen and St Katharine School in Abingdon last week, which brought the cartoon's African Pride Lands to life.

Emilie Prior, spokeswoman at the school, said: "Musicians from across the school supported the cast wonderfully, underscoring the poignant moment of Young Simba mourning his father, as well as providing evil Scar with driving rhythms to plot his way to royalty.

"The musical was decorated by an array of incredibly intricate costumes and set pieces, including a giant elephant and elegant giraffe outfits, providing the audience with a visual treat to remember."

Parents watched as their children pranced on stage in impressive outfits last Wednesday and Thursday, complete with microphone headsets and feather-bearing headdresses.

The performance, at the school's Yolande Paterson Hall, involved schoolgirls from years seven and eight who played lead characters including star Simba the lion, Rafiki the baboon and comic duo Timon and Pumbaa.