MUSIC, singing and acting took centre stage during a Dorset school’s first Talent Show.

Talented students from Autism Unlimited’s Portfield School, West Parley, took to the stage at the Regent Centre in Christchurch for the event, the first to be held by the specialist autism school.

And the performers wowed a crowd made up of family, friends and staff.

Actor in Residence Jane Herbert, who directed the show, said: “The students worked very hard all term on their performances. It was great to see their creativity and imagination unfold.

“The performance day was a long one for the students and they behaved so professionally, and came together to support each other.

“The highlight of the night for me was seeing students watching from the wings celebrating their classmates and clapping along to their songs. There was tremendous buzz backstage at both their collective and individual achievements.”

The Parley Lane school provides a bespoke education for children aged between four and 19, with an autism diagnosis.

Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “I don’t think there was a single person in the audience who wasn’t impressed and moved by what we experienced.

“We have immensely entertaining students at school; seeing them together on stage confirmed this. Fundamentally it was a great evening of entertainment, laughter and happiness. We are beyond proud of our performers.

“I know how much planning and hard work went into the show and I am hugely grateful to colleagues across the charity who worked so hard to make it happen.

“I heard from some students that they are already working on the next one.”