Two teachers at Torells School in Grays wasted no time in getting their pupils to show off their skills.

Gary Wilson, head of creative and performing arts and in charge of music, and Sharon Zoller, in charge of drama, joined the Buxton Road school in January.

On Thursday last week they produced a Showcase evening - together by Bev Campbell, head of girls' PE, who added a programme of dance.

Pupils from all five years took part in the programme, which included singing, keyboard, a boy band, dance, poems and readings, and all with a St Valentine's Day theme.

Among the guests was local councillor Dave Gooding, and Miss Betty Finch, OBE, JP ? headteacher at Torells from 1978 to 1988.

Afterwards she said: "Torells used to have a great tradition of putting on first class music and drama productions, and I was so pleased to see that the tradition is clearly continuing.

"All the students performed well, and showed increasing confidence. I'm sure they will want to take part in similar occasions in future."

Published Monday, February 25, 2002