WITH Oscar fever mounting ahead of next month’s Academy Awards night, Witney school children have had their own taste of the silver screen.

Young actors and actresses from Tower Hill Community Primary School hosted the premiere screening of their film What the Ladybird Heard.

The film, based on the former children’s laureate Julia Donaldson’s classic book, tells the tale of villains Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len who try to steal a farmer’s prize cow.

The four- and five-year-olds last week dressed up as ushers and security guards for an exclusive screening of the seven-minute film in front of parents.

Foundation class teacher Victoria Simpson played a starring role in the drama, which was filmed and edited at the school.

Mrs Simpson said: “It’s been a marvellous opportunity for the children to develop their speech and language skills.

“It gives them independence and confidence in their own ideas.”

Madison Birt, aged four, said: “I was so excited to see the mummies and daddies when they entered the hall on the red carpet.”

She added “It was nice to see myself on the film.

“It made me laugh and was really fun.”