OUTSIDE on the Eastleigh streets there were shivering signs that winter was starting to bite.

Inside The Point - the town's arts and drama centre - creative Chandler's Ford youngsters were making the

temperatures plunge even further by re-enacting Arctic-type scenes complete with polar bears.

Pupils from Hiltingbury Infant School were working with Platform 4 theatre - Winchester's only professional touring theatre company.

The tailor-made project took the children through a maze of shadows, stories and magical music on stage at The Point.

The results of their work have been documented by Platform 4 and will be shown in an exhibition at The Point from December 2 to December 8, and at the Winchester Guildhall Caf Gallery from December 9 to 20.

The project has been made possible by Hampshire County Council's 2 for 1 business award which gives arts organisations matching funding if they attract business support.

Hiltingbury head Jan Vincent said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our special language unit.

"A practical art and drama workshop will support them with their expressive language as well as giving them an opportunity to have fun with their mainstream peers."