BOOM mikes and clapper boards became part of the timetable at Old Cleeve First School when youngsters were given the chance to create their own cartoon.

The 18 reception class pupils re-wrote, illustrated and recorded their version of the traditional story of Jack and the Beanstalk in a project which turned them into budding stars and directors.

Their unique insight into the world of animation was provided by Dan Hedger, a senior designer with Bristol production company Olaus Roe and parent of two children at the school.

Dan's son Yoshi paved the way for school to become a whole lot more exciting when he told class teacher Karen Thompson that his dad had "something to do with films".

The result opened the door to the film industry for the four and five-year-olds, giving them a rare opportunity to turn a curriculum requirement into a lasting experience.

The children drew dozens of pictures to illustrate the story and even did the 'voice-overs' using their own words.

And Dan turned their efforts into a professional and impressive finished product that stunned audiences at the premiere last Friday.

"Everyone thought the cartoon was absolutely fantastic and so professional," said teaching assistant Lorraine Ward.

"We had a full house of parents and some of them were in tears at the end.

"The children loved doing it and they were open-mouthed when they watched it - the premiere was the first time they'd actually seen it."

An Oscar-style ceremony followed and the children - all dressed in their Hollywood best - were each presented with individual flower posies, a certificate and a DVD copy of the cartoon.

"Mr Hedger put in weeks of work to turn the children's work into this amazing cartoon," said Mrs Ward.

"We'd never have been able to do something like this without him."

Dan Hedger is pictured with the young Oscar winners following the premiere, and left, a screenshot from the film.

Photo: Steve Guscott.