Dancers learning the ropes.

A SUNNY afternoon saw enthusiastic pupils enjoying maypole dancing.

The youngsters, from Kirkleatham Hall School near Redcar, popped along to the village's almshouses to perform for residents and schoolmates.

Then they moved into the almshouses 17th century chapel to re-enact what life must have been like when benefactor Sir William Turner founded his own school in Kirkleatham 300 years ago.

Maypole dancing was ideal for the Kirkleatham kids because it gave them a range of disciplines to follow. And despite the intricacies of going "over" and "under" with their ribbons, the complex dances were performed with barely a hitch by the energetic 10 to 13 year-olds.

The Spider's Web, the 12-ribbon Barber's Pole, and the 1-2-3 Hop were all performed in the sunshine.

Then it was inside the chapel for the theatrical production, based on ideas suggested by the children and largely performed without a script.

Delighted teacher Phil Masterson said it showed the value of "experiential learning".

"It takes a huge amount of different skills in combination to get maypole dancing right. It's quite remarkable the standard they've reached after just a few weeks.

Peter Sotheran, chairman of the almshouses trustees, said the visit came about after he gave a talk to the children about Sir William Turner.

"The children have been marvellous - we're delighted and grateful to have them here," he said.

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SUMMER FUN: Stuart Crown, Jessica Crinnion, above, Chelsea Caldwell, top, all aged 11, perform their maypole dance Pictures by ANDREW GRAY