FACE painting, ruff making and sonnet writing were some of the activities on offer at a Worcestershire school as part of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Pupils at Hanley Castle High enjoyed interactive workshops including using face paints and stage make-up to recreate pock marked and scarred Elizabethan faces as well as making ruffs.

They also tried out sonnet writing, made models of the famous locations used in Shakespeare plays and staged a court hearing of Ariel's role in creating The Tempest.

Oddsocks, a professional theatre company, performed Romeo and Juliet to students in years 7-10.

Elaine Newman, head of English, said: "Seeing the characters and hearing the language come to life will definitely stay with these students when they study Romeo and Juliet for their GCSE text and it was wonderful to see them so engaged in a text written over 400 years ago.

"I believe absolutely in the importance of having students understand the relevance of our cultural heritage, and what better way to raise their awareness than through interactive workshops designed to put the Elizabethan era into context.

"The day as a whole was fantastic.

"To see our students thrive in their appreciation of Shakespeare, as well contribute creatively to the day, was a real pleasure."