A FILM about Purbeck starring local schoolchildren has been shown in schools after getting a huge reaction.

Let’s Go Wild premiered at the Planet Purbeck Festival in front of a sell-out audience of 350 people at Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre.

It was made by BBC and Netflix filmmaker Sue Western, who spent months asking scores of children what they think about Purbeck’s abundant natural resources.

Along with a talk by Springwatch TV presenter Nadeem Perera, the film was the centerpiece of the festival’s main event, called A Celebration of Purbeck.

It was such a hit that several teachers asked if it could be shown at their schools.

Dates were arranged with all eight primary schools in the area including Wareham St Mary and Swanage’s St Mark’s.

Now further showings are anticipated at the Purbeck and Swanage schools for older children.

Sue said: “It’s tempting just to post a film online but it has been immensely uplifting to watch it at communal events.

“I’ve found myself sitting in school halls with tea and cake alongside parents, staff and children of all ages who are seeing themselves, their siblings and friends on a big screen.

“The children’s expressions when they recognise themselves or places they know are priceless.”

Planet Purbeck’s third festival was attended by a record crowd of more than 3,400 people over 10 days.

More than 50 events were hosted by 90 local businesses, organisations or community groups, with funding support from the Talbot Village Trust.

A survey conducted by Planet Purbeck volunteers found nearly 80 per cent of those who attended felt they had learned something new about protecting our local environment.

More than half said they now felt more connected to the area’s nature and wildlife, and nearly 60 per cent said they felt inspired to take action.

Festival organiser Luke M Luke said he was “thrilled” by the reaction.

He added: “Our festival clearly helps to ignite the magic and wonder of nature, creating enduring experiences and the chance to discover something new.”