ASPIRING performers at a special needs school had the experience of a lifetime when they met the West End cast of War Horse.

When the hit show came to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton earlier this year, pupils at Oak Lodge Specialist Arts College were inspired to create their own version of the show.

Now with their very own ‘Joey’ horse, pupils from the school in Dibden Purlieu have travelled to meet the West End cast at the New London Theatre.

They enjoyed workshops with puppeteers, musicians and the stage set team to learn all about how to put on the best show.

Student Rowen Cottrell said: “That was one of the most exciting and best experiences of my life.”