YOUNG people in Bicester's schools and youth centres have been making a shadow army as part of Oxfordshire's farewell celebrations to the county's millennium.

The Cycle of Time - a 'horrible history' - tells the story of Bicester's battle-scarred past through pyrotechnic effects, from fire drawings to reflective pictures during the last thousand years.

More than 100 youngsters have been creating image panels using the Bayeux Tapestry as their inspiration, which they will carry in a procession to Pingle Field, next week.

This will form part of Oxfordshire 2007's Winter Light - a series of events across the county designed to light up the end of Oxfordshire's millennium year and add a special element to festive celebrations in Oxford, Abingdon, Bicester, Chipping Norton and Henley.

The decorated panels, created with light-reflective material, are being choreographed in a military formation at the start of the show on Friday, November 30.

They will form part of the backdrop to a light and sound narrative of the key events in Bicester's history, produced by Paul Batten, of Pyro-Theatrix, based in Witney.

Mr Batten said: "The Cycle of Time has been specifically created for just one night. The music and visual effects are original and the show includes a battle sequence with fire and fireworks - plus a spectacular finale. Jugglers, stilt-walkers and fire eaters will also be adding colour to the family friendly show."

Pictured above with part of the display are 14-year-olds Charlotte Orr and Jack Little.

Artist-led workshops have been taking place in the following schools: King's Meadow, Brookside, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Launton, Southwold, Bure Park, Bicester Community College, Cooper School and The Courtyard Youth Club.

A special bus provided a last-minute drop-in session in the town centre.

Producer of the Winter Lights events, Jacqui Ibbotson, said: "The Bicester event is going to be the most spectacular because of the fire drawings. We have more than 100 children and young people involved in the shadow army and I hope the people of Bicester enjoy the event as much as I will."

The Cycle of Time - which is free - is supported by Oxfordshire County Council, Arts Council England, Bicester Village, Local Network Fund, and Bicester Town Council, as well as local businesses and organisations: Oxford Bus Company, Blackwell, BMW Group Plant Oxford, Bicester Village, Berman Guedes Stretton, Local Network Fund, Emma's Trust, Chipping Norton Town Council, Orinoco.

The procession starts at 5.30pm through the town and Bicester Village, followed by the show in Pingle Field at 6.30pm.