STUDENTS at Devizes School who went through the wardrobe for a performance of Narnia received rave reviews from audiences who packed the school hall for each show.

Show director Stuart MacFarlane was proud of all the pupils who appeared on stage and behind the scenes. The mum of Charlie Tilley who played the part of Lucy was so delighted with the opportunity given to her daughter she wrote to say thank you.

She said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you to Devizes School for giving Charlie the opportunity to play Lucy in the school performance. I have never seen her as challenged, frightened and excited over something as I have over the last few months.

"Mr MacFarlane is an outstanding teacher who amazed me with his quiet, skilled approach to getting Charlie, and the whole cast, through a challenge like this and I just wanted to pass on to you how impressed I am."

Nearly 1,000 people including Phil Bevan, who is to take over as Devizes School headteacher after Easter, were in the audience for the five performances.

School publicity officer Karen Sims said: "We have had fantastic comments from the public who attended and from members of staff. We had people ringing for tickets from far and wide. Salisbury, Malmesbury, Trowbridge, Warminster and one lady from Newbury.

"All of the cast were congratulated in the staff room on Monday morning by acting head Sue Marshall and all of the teaching and support staff were present. Miss Marshall and Mr Bevan were very impressed by the students' talent and dedication."