A DOUBLE helping of stories served up by Hampshire-based theatre group ‘Open the Box’, went down a treat at Shottermill Infant School before pupils broke up for the summer holidays.

In their end of term treat, pupils were entertained with a double bill of stories, including Twisted Tales, which takes two traditional tales and turns them into something new.

After the show, all the children took part in story-telling workshops where they had the chance to be really creative by making up their own stories and acting them out.

Headteacher Jilly Storey said: “The fun-filled drama workshops allowed each child to explore characterisation and emotions within the context of a familiar story.

“The Open the Box team used wide variety of drama techniques to encourage the pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills, self-confidence, and to work together as a team.

“The children really look forward to Open the Box coming each year – it is always a great day.”

In another burst of creativity, pupils have pulled out all the stops to make sure their contribution to the Surrey Hill Cow Parade Project was one to remember.

Mrs Storey said: “Our mini-moo is decorated with a fabulous design created by Edward in year two, after the whole school voted to choose the top design. All the pupils were involved with the painting.

“We even had the BBC film us and we were on BBC South Today.

“The children chose to give our mini-moo the name of Rainbow.

“We are hoping for Rainbow to be on display in one of the local shops over the summer, so keep your eyes peeled to see where she is.”

The decorated cows are being displayed around the county until the end of August, when they will be herded back to Surrey Hills Cow Parade HQ, at Coverwood Farm, in Peaslake.

They will be exhibited and judged on Saturday, September 3, at the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival at Coverwood Farm, before being auctioned to raise money for charity.