From the delightful overture of the band to the rousing finale number, students from a Loddon high school put on a production of Bugsy Malone that never missed a beat.

Students from Hobart High on Kittens Lane worked as a team to put on the production of the musical, which is loosely based on gangland events in New York City in the Prohibition era.

Liz Purling is from Loddon and has children who attend the school. She said: 'It was fantastic.All the children were really good.'

Student Arnie Hughes played the principle role of Bugsy and was accompanied by Blousey, played by Elly Anderson.

Other roles included Luke Martin as Fat Sam, Rebecca Pottage as Tallulah, Jack Payne as Dandy Dan, Lauren Brown as Fizzy and Josh Hope as Leroy.

Mrs Purling added: 'The acting skills and the dancing from the children was fantastic, it was really superb, especially for a school production.' Fat Sam's Gang entertained the audience with their rendition of Bad Guys, which had them tapping their toes.

Dandy Dan's Gang was armed with splurge guns, while Tallulah's girls where glammed up in their glad rags.

There were more than 120 people in the cast and the efforts of the stage crew, lighting and sound, set decor, band, make-up and costumes were all praised.

'It was more and above what one would expect,' said Mrs Purling.

'My children wanted to go and see the production and support the other children. It is also good to support the school and local community.'

Are you involved with a local arts group that is putting on a production? Contact Local Life editor Donna-Louise Bishop on 01603 772438 or email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk