CHILDREN were thrilled when an unexpected guest turned up to watch them perform a play.

Years 5 and 6 at St Peter's Church of England Primary School in Coggeshall put on a production of 'Shakespeare Rocks'.

The show's author, Steve Titford, stopped by to sit in on the performance.

Tev Partridge, 11, said: "It was a bit nerve-wracking doing it in front of the person who wrote it, but he said he really enjoyed it, so that felt good."

Emma Maloney, who has been completing her teacher training at the school, said Mr Titford used to teach her music and drama.

She said: "I emailed him to let him know we were doing his show, but never expected him to come and see it, especially as he lives in Tenerife now.

"It turned out that he was in the UK, and offered to turn up. It was a real treat for the children, who all worked incredibly hard to make Shakespeare Rocks such a brilliant show."

The show was performed on July, 14.