YOUNGSTERS at a Sunderland primary school have been getting to grips with the work of the country's greatest playwright.

Pupils at St Hilda's Primary School learned about William Shakespeare and his plays during a workshop with Andy Chessell, education officer with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

They tried their hand at performing Romeo and Juliet during the session, part of an education programme linked to the RSC's winter season at the Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, starting next month.

Deputy head Damien Groark said: "This has been a wonderful opportunity for children hungry to expand their drama talents.

"Andy has first-hand experience of how it should be done, and after his workshop the children went out to play and immediately divided up into the Montagus and the Capulets.

"They are quickly turning into serious Shakespeare buffs.