Young gangsters have been gunning for each other in a school show that combines a violent historic era with gunge fun.

Beeston Hall School at West Runton is staging Bugsy Malone next month.

It involves all 143 pupils in the action which sees the gangs of Fat Sam and Dandy Dan going head-to-head during the dark days of 1920s American prohibition laws and secret 'speakeasies.'

Instead of deadly machine guns the weapons deployed are splurge guns which cover their targets in custard.

Director of drama at the independent school David Lloyd said the show was popular among youngsters because of the amount of gunge and custard pies involved - as well as some great songs.

'The characters are really gutsy, and I have been amazed at how many of the cast are good at America accents,' he added.

Younger pupils were playing the parts of boxers and down-and-outs, with years 7 and 8 taking the man roles.

Sam Hamwee is Bugsy, Anne Rich is Blousey, Una Barclay is Tallulah and Theo de Soissons is Fat Sam.

The show is on March 15 and 16, with the audience seated at cafe style tables and chairs in the school hall, and people are encouraged to dress up from the fashions from the period.

The 7pm shows are open to the public, but anyone wanting to attend should ring the school to register on 01263 837324.