PUPILS enjoyed a magical performance when storyteller Jim MacCool visited their school.

The traditional yarn spinner came to St Helena School, Colchester, to help the school’s big push to improve reading among its pupils.

Becky Congdon, the school’s literacy co-ordinator, said about 150 children from Year 7 took part.

She said: “It was musically-based and he told his stories with songs.

“The children got involved and were dancing and singing.

He was really entertaining and it was great to see the students so engaged.

“The stories were based on those from his childhood and it was a great day."