BOLLYWOOD came to North Yorkshire yesterday, when youngsters at a Richmond school tried their hand at Indian henna painting, art and dancing.

Year seven, eight and nine pupils at St Francis Xavier School took part in dance workshops hosted by Leedsbased professional dance company Annapurna, as well as learning about philosophy and Indian culture.

The multi-cultural event was organised by Julie Wainright, head of Religious Education at the school. She said: "We live inside a bubble a lot of the time, and we forget just how much amazing culture there is out there."

"It is easy to fear the unknown, so we want our children to learn about different cultures so they see there is nothing to be afraid of, but rather something to celebrate."

She added: "The day has been fantastic, and it has really caught the children's imaginations. They have learned a lot, which is brilliant, but of course they have also had a huge amount of fun."