Leicester University Theatre Group, which draws members from the university faculty and Clarendon Park, has begun working with Ash Field School, Evington, which provides schooling for children with physical and mental learning difficulties.

The company, which has provided a launch pad to theatrical success for previous members throughout its 80 year history, has already begun using acting as a learning tool with students in a variety of activities- such as role-playing as artists, including Clarice Cliff, and then being interviewed by pupils.

Stephanie Bryan, 19, City Centre, a second year Biological Science student, who is directing the musical "I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change" alongside activities at the school, said "The children really seem to benefit from more visual and active learning-especially in the cases of severe mental disabilities. It's great that drama can be used to help children learn this way.

"As a group, getting out into the community is a big part of what we do. It's also a big part of what we want to do in the future," she said.

The society have now planned further activities aimed at all young people including a summer performance at the Children's Literary Festival to be held at the Botanic Gardens off London Road, after receiving praise from Ash Field School for their work.

Amanda Harrison, curriculum coordinator for Maths and Science at the school, said: "We have been overjoyed to find such a dynamic team of people from which to enhance our school curriculum through a creative and imaginative

approach."

"To date we have completed a workshop on magnetism as well as various art classes which the pupils found both inspiring and enjoyable," she said. "We now have plans to roll out a host of future classes working with the society in a variety of subjects and with children of all abilities."