Children in Stanmore discovered the wonders of the opera during a performance at a Stanmore school.

The Pavilion Opera Educational Trust performed Guiseppe Verdi's 19th-century opera Rigoletto to awe-struck pupils at Aylward First and Middle School, in Pangbourne Drive,Stanmore, on July 1.

Headteacher Moira Arnold said: "It was the most amazing performance and the children responded so well to something that would normally be so difficult for 11 year olds.

"If we had the opportunity to do it again I would jump at the chance."

Before the performance the pupils studied the script of the play so they could understand the opera, which was sung in Italian. However the children were not allowed to listen to the music so they experienced the full joy of the show, which is a tale about love,betrayal and jealously.

Students from Roxeth First and Middle School, in Brickfields, Byron Hill Road, and Marlborough First and Middle School, in Marlborough Hill, also attended the show.

The event was part of a series of performances at schools across the borough.