CHILDREN from a Wootton Bassett primary school had a taste of carnival fever when they were put through their paces by members of Swindon Dance on Monday and Tuesday.

The pupils from Noremarsh School, in Wootton Bassett, were taught dances they will perform at their school's annual carnival procession on Friday.

Year 3 and 4 teacher Sue Victory said: "The children started with a warm-up then looked at photos of the carnivals to see how they looked and the kind of movements they would be expected to make.

"Then they were put into pairs and asked to create a carnival dance sequence that they would perform on Friday.

"The children really enjoyed themselves even the ones that didn't think they would.

"Now they can project the carnival feeling when they dance."

Swindon Dance, the National Dance Agency for the South West, was formed in 1980 and operates from studios in the town hall, Regent Circus, Swindon.

In 2002 students feared the council funded dance agency might have to be closed after Swindon Borough Council announced budget cuts.