GARGOYLES and gore inspired a group of schoolchildren to put together a film about one of Oxford’s most iconic buildings.

Eight youngsters aged ten and 11 from Pegasus Primary School, Blackbird Leys, have spent the past four months bringing to life their favourite stories about the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, in Oxford High Street.

The church has just completed a £5m restoration project, part of which includes an education programme.

And the children’s eight-minute film will be integral to that, aimed at engaging other young people and school groups which visit the church in its story.

Lucinda Williams, heritage, education and volunteers officer at the church, said: “We spoke to the kids about the history of the church and gave them a chronology of everything that had happened since it started and they chose the bits they wanted to re-enact.”

The youngsters filmed, starred in, produced, edited and wrote the movie, with help from Film Oxford and the church’s education team.

Ms Williams said: “I am really impressed. It’s very funny, but at the same time heartwarming.

“There is a bit of Horrible Histories influence and they were very interested in the gory bits of life.”

The film also touches on the restoration project – introduced by a gargoyle who tells viewers he has just had a facelift – and referring to the fact the church needs to be kept up to date for other people to see it in years to come.

Funding for the £4,000 project came from Artswork.

Pegasus teacher Georgia Maddocks said: “Not only have they gained technical experience, but they have understood why it is important to discuss, prioritise and develop ideas. A significant benefit has been the children’s access to a part of their city’s history. They have learned about key events, such as the Trial of the Oxford Martyrs and the Civil War, and have translated their knowledge into a film that will appeal to other children.”

From September, the church hopes to start sending out resource packs to schools inviting them to book trips, and the children’s input is integral to the programme.

The final touches are currently being made to the film, which will be screened for the first time at the church in June.