MINI-MUSICIANS, dancers, singers and even a hula girl were among the bright sparks showing off their skills at an Oxford primary school.

More than 50 children competed in the first New Marston Has Talent contest at New Marston Primary School, in Copse Lane.

Willed on by 200 fellow pupils and 100 parents, each of the acts had a couple of minutes to impress the judging panel, which included the school lollipop man and a governor.

Sam Thomas, six, from Stainfield Road, picked up first prize for his humorous recital of a poem written by his father, which imagined what would happen if Sam got to take over the school.

But highlight of the show was a finale involving five teachers, who had to try to make their own cakes on stage with cream, chocolate and grapes.

When their efforts were not judged to be good enough they were all splattered with the pies in front of the children.

Kelly Beauchamp, a Year One teacher who took part in the show, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"We're used to being silly in front of the children, but when you've got quite a big audience of adults watching as well it is much more nerve-wracking.

"It was good fun, particularly when you hear the children screaming and booing.

"The only downside so far is the horrible stench of rancid cream that all of us are suffering with."

Fiona Slator, seven, from Borrowmead Road, won second prize for her hula hoop dancing skills.

She said: "I felt confident. I've been practising for about three years and I'm really pleased."

Mother Tracey said: "It was fantastic - I was very impressed. I thought the standard of the show was very good."

Friday's event was a fundraiser for a new shed which will distribute games equipment to children during break times.

Headteacher Zara d'Archambaud said: "We had the idea before Christmas. It was fantastic - really good fun.

"It was really nice to see the children getting up on stage and feeling proud of themselves. The children all did amazingly well.

"We have had lots of positive feedback. It's good fun and it makes the children feel proud of their talents, so we will probably do it on an annual basis from now on."