Young actors have taken to the stage for a masked theatrical workshop.

The youngsters donned specially-made masks for the course at Wantage Civic Hall.

The About Face theatre course aimed to encourage budding thespians to improve their acting ability by boosting their confidence. It helped children develop skills in drama, mask theatre, comedy and movement.

Jim Mitchell, principal of the Wantage-based Stageschool, which hosted the course, said: "Courses like this are very useful and let children use their imagination and creativity. Using masks allows kids to lose their inhibition.

"It gives them a chance to develop their theatrical skills and take leading roles in school productions - and maybe even go on."