TALENTED youngsters stepped into the spotlight to entertain packed audiences at Newport's Riverfront Theatre at the weekend.

Children from the Helen O'Grady Children's Drama Academy put on a series of performances on Saturday.

Five- to eight-year-olds staged The Wedding, and the eight to 12-year-olds performed in The Bold Buccaneer, while members of the youth theatre dressed in black for some surreal work in storytelling form.

Vice-principal Becky Adams explained: "We are not a stage school. It is about development through drama for any sort of child from five years up. It is to help them develop confidence and communication skills."

The young actors attend classes in Gwent and Cardiff.

Helen O'Grady drama academies began 25 years ago in Australia, and there are now about 140 branches in 13 countries.

Ponthir-based Pat Welsh, who is a fully qualified teacher with a degree in drama and theatre studies, is the principal.

Anyone interested in enrolling for September should contact 01633 431177.