MALMESBURY youngsters entertained Mayor John Bowen on Wednesday with their first public performance of Victorian songs, dancing and crafts.

The 14 children, aged between eight and 11, have been practicing with the help of the town's Athelstan Players amateur dramatic group.

The children dressed up in traditional Victorian costume and rehearsed their limericks, dances and songs over Monday and Tuesday, culminating in the show for the Mayor and their parents on Wednesday afternoon.

The production was organised by Athelstan Players members Debbie Charmen and Liz Outlaw.

Ms Charmen, 40, a former professional dancer who now teaches dancing in Malmesbury at the local dancing school, said: "I have very much enjoyed doing it and I think the kids have had a great time too.

Before the show performer Nina Mace, ten, said: "We are not very nervous about performing in front of the Mayor. I think we are all going to enjoy it."

Another performer Juliet Charmen, eight, said: "We have really enjoyed the past few days."