PRIMARY school children could see their Christmas play about aliens and outer space showcased on television screens around the country.

Pupils at Sedgley Park Community Primary School in Prestwich have been named as finalists in a national competition after putting an extraterrestrial-twist on the Christmas story in their production 'Christmas with the Aliens'.

Written by Out of the Ark — who produce songbooks and other materials for schools — the play sees a group of aliens team up with schoolchildren to share the nativity musical with the whole universe.

Sedgley Park, in King's Road, has been shortlisted in Virgin Media's festive contest, Christmas Stars, aimed at finding the UK's best primary school play.

If they win, their work could be narrated by presenter Stephen Mulhern, professionally filmed and aired to the company's four million customers via On Demand.

In its entry, Sedgley Park wrote: "As the play features aliens, we are planning a series of lessons that will provide the children with the opportunity to design an alien.

"We will use their ideas to create our own alien costumes.

"We have also included our own dances in between scenes to add some extra fun and entertainment."

The shortlisted plays will be scrutinised by a panel of judges including master magician Stephen Mulhern and representatives from Virgin Media and School of Rock the Musical.

Winners will receive £5,000 as well as a range of other prizes organised by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End show, School of Rock the Musical.

A class from the school will be invited to the show’s Gillian Lynne Theatre in London for a performance masterclass from the cast. Afterwards, the children will also be treated to tickets to watch the blockbuster show and see the cast in action.

Runner-ups will win £1,000 plus 15 ukeleles, while the 22 regional finalists will win £100 and two ukeleles each.

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, said: "A huge congratulations to Bury’s Sedgley Park Primary School for being named as a finalist in our magical Christmas Stars competition.

"Its production has the perfect ingredients for a feel-good festive play which could be enjoyed by millions of Virgin TV customers this Christmas.

"Stay tuned to find out who will be our winner – good luck everyone at Sedgley Park!"