YOUNGSTERS from two primary schools have been making lanterns in preparation for the Illuminate festival.

Children from Chase Lane Primary School, and the Mayflower Primary School, in Dovercourt, took part in a specially organised artistic session to help light up the town for the festival on November 24.

About 120 pupils got involved and also created a replica of the Mayflower ship and its captain, Christopher Jones.

They were shown the ropes by three professional artists from Willow Phoenix along with volunteers from the Harwich Festival which is running Illuminate 2017 for Tendring Council.

The event is aimed at promoting the town's strong links with the Mayflower ship.

Peter Davis, Artistic Director for the Harwich Festival, said it was a very successful initiative.

“All the pupils got stuck in and came up with some excellent lanterns, the ship and puppet and they seemed to enjoy the experience,” he said.

“We are going to look after the lanterns until November 24 and we hope the children will come and collect them and join in the procession.”

It will be led by folk musicians along Kings Head Street to St Nicholas' Church where a special themed service will be conducted by the Rev Canon Margaret Shaw.

Lanterns will be hung in the church, the Illuminate poem will be read and there will be various musical performances as well as readings, hymns and psalms.

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council's cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said that he hoped that residents and visitors will turn out for Illuminate 2017.

“This is the second year and I am sure it is an event which will grow,” he added. “I hope that the children who took part in the workshops are able to attend on the night and see their lanterns lit up.”