FIREWORKS lit up the stage of the Wyvern Theatre last night after a display of skill and ability as youngsters took part in Swindon Academy's sixth Gym and Dance Display.

All 650 seats in the auditorium were stuffed full of proud parents, staff, ex-staff and former Swindon Academy pupils to see the Beech Avenue school's latest collaboration of dance and gymnastics to a variety of popular music before the finale including an impressive pyrotechnics display and glitter cannon.

Sold out weeks in advance, children from as young as four up to teenagers looking to sit their exams this summer took part in the production, which this year was organised by Swindon Academy's assistant curriculum leader for PE, Danielle Waters.

"In terms of their confidence, it's amazing what taking part in the Gym and Dance Display does.

"Some of these children wouldn't ever have a chance to get involved in something like this if we didn't do it at Swindon Academy.

"When we started it we only did it in school and held it in the school hall. But over the years it's become extremely popular with a lot of children wanting to sign up and get involve, and a lot of parents wanting to get involved and a lot of staff also wanting to take part in some way."

Rehearsals for the show started in October, and since then momentum built to a crescendo of excitement on Thursday(mar26) night.

Danielle said: "It's the second time we've been able to hold it at the Wyvern.

"The whole school has been buzzing with excitement to take part.

"All the children have worked so hard for it.

"It is definitely the biggest Gym and Dance yet."