BUDDING film makers and art-loving pupils at a Weymouth school are gearing up for the Games.

Children and staff at St John’s CE Primary School have been taking part in a host of Olympic-inspired activity.

Year five children worked with a team of artists and animators from Dorchester arts to write, draw, animate and create their very own film named The Big Splash.

It will be screened over the summer at the big screen live sites, the National Sailing Academy and the Maritime Mix 360 dome on Weymouth Beach as part of the Maritime Mix – the cultural Olympiad by the sea.

Year five teacher Lucy Rowe said: “The film tells the story of a stolen Olympic torch, a naughty seagull, and four best friends determined not to give up.

“When the torch is dramatically stolen amid crowds on Weymouth seafront, the best friends make a big splash in more ways than one as they try to get it back.”

The children organised a film premiere at the school and invited their families to attend.

Miss Rowe added: “The audience enjoyed pizza and ice cream as they relaxed and enjoyed the fantastic film which had been made.

“It was a fantastic project from which the children involved gained a great deal.

“The final film was brilliantly put together and summarised St John’s ethos perfectly that you should never give up and everyone has their chance to shine.”

Year five and six pupils spent time making textile portraits of someone who has inspired them using the Olympic values, such as courage and determination as a focus.

The art pieces will be displayed in the borough as part of the Maritime Mix.

Teacher Eli Kerr, Schools Olympic champion, said: “The Giant Wall Project has been great for all pupils, even those who said they couldn’t draw.

“There has been immense enthusiasm for seeing the project through to the end and most have been quite surprised at not only their ability but the likenesses they have achieved between their drawings and the people who have inspired them.”