primary school pupils encountered Shakespeare at the historic manor house of Hellens yesterday (Thursday).

The Young Shakespeare Company held workshops all day on Romeo and Juliet. Pupils from Ashperton, Bosbury, Broms-berrow, Eastnor, Cradley, Colwall, Ledbury, Much Marcle and Pendock took part.

Frances Bradley, the Ledbury Poetry Festival's schools co-ordinator, said: "This was the first event of this year's 'poetry in schools' programme, organised and paid for by the festival."

Other events in schools will follow, culminating with Out Loud on Monday, July 4, at the John Masefield High School, when pupils will perform their own work.

There will also be a painting competition with winning entries displayed by the Shell House Gallery during the festival.