Parents and teachers were transported into London’s past when the acting stars of Hornchurch’s future presented a festive tale.

Eleven- to 15-year-olds from Emerson Park School took to the stage to perform Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to an audience of 150.

The production raised �300 through ticket sales, which will go toward the school’s production of Bugsy Malone next year.

Head of drama Alice Wadman said: “The cast and crew worked so hard over the four months of rehearsals. They gave up lunch times, evenings and several Saturdays to put on an outstanding performance.

“They have done themselves proud.”

Costumes were provided by the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, and the Old Guildonians Theatre Company.

The set was produced by chairman of governors Martin Tilbury and painted by the school’s art department.