A GROUP of talented pupils proved to be stage genie-uses in a dazzling production of Aladdin.

More than 50 children from Whitefield Primary School in Victoria Avenue, spent two months rehearsing for the show, which features Princess Jasmine, Widow Twankey and the evil Abanazar.

The youngsters took to the stage last week and performed the show to classmates, teachers and parents and the feedback was unanimous, according to Year 6 teacher Katya Dearing.

She said: "Parents absolutely loved it and the governors said it was the best school production they have ever seen.

"The staff would like to thank all the children who put in so much effort to the rehearsals and the performance.

"We started to allocate parts in May when the year 6 children had finished their SATs tests, and we also had year 5 pupils in the play and year 4 pupils in the choir, singing 14 songs.

"They all did a really good job and had a lot of fun in the process.

"It was a really lovely experience for the children who will be leaving for high school shortly."