Isle of Wight audiences were entertained by Island Storytellers and their tales inspired by the song Twelve Days of Christmas at Ventnor Exchange and St Catherine's Church.

Packed venues meant there was standing room only, as stories about many things, such as swans, golden rings and, of course, a partridge in a pear tree, entertained people of all ages.

Jean G-Owen, whose story about geese had a great twist at the end, said: “It was lovely to be involved with this project.

“Sometimes you need something to cheer you up and take your mind off other matters, and this was perfect.”

The performances were the culmination of three months’ work by Island Storytellers and friends, who had made over 60 individual figures – of the 78 ‘gifts’ in the song – to go in Ventnor Carnival’s window spot competition.

Six-year-old Alisa Naumenko said: “Me and my Mum spent ages finding things. It was fun. My favourites were the black calling birds.

"We found them in a lantern, up a tree, and almost hidden round a corner.”