A MOVING play commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War was performed by pupils at Ryedale School.

Over 100 students were involved in 'Clowns at Midnight' which was written by English and drama teacher Jonathan Lewis,

The play incorporated a range of themes related to war and made authentic use of World War One costumes, songs and extracts from contemporary diaries.

Head of Performing Arts, Andrew Moxon said: "Clowns at Midnight was intended to commemorate of centenary of the outbreak of World War One, and was designed to represent theme connected with the war in a respectful manner.

"A large variety of curriculum classes and extra-curricular groups took part and pupils have worked very hard throughout the term."

Mr Moxon said as well as acting, the performance included dance, singing and a full wind band.

"Mr Lewis wrote a play around which the varied performances hung involving the real-life dramas of invented characters affected by the war. He examined those left behind and those who went off to fight and also had characters from the working classes and upper classes."

"Extracts were also read in French and German as well as English to communicate the fact that the horrors of the war were endured by all involved countries."