SCHOOLCHILDREN became street artists for the day as they marked the anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt.

Pupils from Kanes Hill Primary School, Hightown Primary School and Woodlands Community Project stepped back in time to perform Shakespeare’s Henry V for more than 100 parents, tourists and passersby at Bargate and Holyrood Church.

The cast of 10 to 15-year-olds had spent six months rehearsing and learning about Shakespeare as part of a Streetspeare project led by Basingstoke-based Fluid Motion.

The two 30-minute performances marked 600 years since the Battle of Agincourt. which saw Henry V lead troops from Southampton to claim victory in France during the Hundred Years War.

It is believed troops prayed at Holyrood church before going into battle.

Artistic director Leigh Johnstone said: “I think they have done splendidly. I couldn’t have asked for more. Their confidence has just grown and grown and not only have they got to understand Shakespeare but also hot to perform Shakespeare. I’m really impressed. They’re a lovely group of young people.”

The company hopes the project, which aims to give youngsters an insight into Shakespeare, street performance and local heritage, will be an annual event involving more and more schools.