PUPILS enjoyed taking part in the University of Worcester's storytelling festival.

A host of renowned storytellers, authors, illustrators and dramatists entertained thousands of schoolchildren over the two-week festival.

Authors, illustrators, storytellers and theatre companies performed at the festival.

Anne Hannaford, director of Arts and Culture at the University, said: "The Festival is symbolic of the University’s commitment to taking learning out into the community and making it accessible to all.”

Among those taking part was pupils from St George’s Church of England Primary School, in Barbourne, Worcester, who meet storyteller Peter Chand.

Pupils from Upton Snodsbury Church of England First School, in Upton Snodsbury, also enjoyed meeting Garlic Theatre puppeteer Iklooshar Malara and saw Garlic Theatre in action performing The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

The two-week festival, in its 12th year, also known as Beeline, welcomed a host of renowned storytellers, authors, illustrators and dramatists who entertained more than 4,000 youngsters from schools across the region at the University’s City Campus. 

A Family Weekend saw further storytelling activities open to the public, including the chance to work with the Wallace and Gromit film creators, Aardman Animation.