CHILDREN at Redwell Primary School travelled through the history of Alloa during a fast-moving production.

Taking on 58 speaking parts, youngsters in two primary seven classes told the 2000 year tale of the town's past.

They delivered 17 different scenes, looking at the likes of the Iron Age, Romans, Mary Queen of Scots, Bobbin' John, the harbour, slavery and more.

The school teamed up with Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum for the production, which was written and directed by David and Jackie Smith of the Tapsalteerie Theatre Scotland, with sound from Ian Turner.

The Great Alloa Story looked at the milestones and developments that have shaped the area, taking in famous locals, working people and World War 1 and World War 2.

It was a project that involved the whole school – with pupils able to learn something new within their classes – and the focus was on literacy and performance skills.

Youngsters put on three great shows for fellow students and other members of the community, sharing their knowledge of the local area.

Depute headteacher at Redwell Primary, Gillian Hamilton, said: "It was beneficial for the pupils across the whole school, but also members of the local community in getting a true sense of where Alloa has come from in history, to where it is now.

"We had a lot of great feedback from our parents and also the members of community that came along and I think what was special about it was that it has never been done before."

Devising the production presented a few challenges, such as tracking down the historical information.

David Smith, learning officer at the Smith Museum, said: "The hardest first research task was that there seems to no single complete text on the complete history of Alloa.

"Alloa library was so helpful in finding many different single aspect books and we have other sources at The Smith.

"However, this probably means a first for Alloa as its diverse story was now delivered complete in one hour through the medium of theatre."

Jackie Smith, co-director of the production, said there were some individual performances that adult actors would have been proud of.

She added: "The children of Redwell were just superb to work with.

"They knew their words, they were enthused and focused."

Some facts from The Alloa Story:

-Alloa has been spelled at least five different ways over the years

-Mary Queen of Scots loved Alloa and stayed several times

-Coal slavery existed across the country and Alloa was the first to abolish it

-The Blackpool Tower girders were made in Alloa