CHRONICLES of Narnia star William Moseley backed a series of pioneering children's workshops.

William, from Sheepscombe, who plays Peter Pevensie, sent a personal message to inspire and support six Tewkesbury School pupils on a Performing For Success pilot project.

The Gloucestershire County Council-backed scheme aims to motivate and help primary and secondary children by using drama, animation, team games and other activities to build their confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, speaking and listening skills and problem-solving.

The six-week, after-school course, run once a week at Tewkesbury Library, was supported by The Roses theatre, who ran two sessions based on anti-bullying and raising self-esteem, and animators Cordial AV, who helped youngsters create a selection of animations.

Organiser Emma Taylor said: "William was very enthusiastic because he struggled academically and was inspired by drama.

"He couldn't be at our presentation evening but left a video message of inspiration and support.

"He named all the children, making their faces light up, and left signed pictures.

"The children all identified their own targets at the start and I built the sessions around their needs.

"They've made fantastic progress and all gained their certificates."

Emma previously worked with St Mary's Primary School and more schemes are in the pipeline.