FAMILY Learning and the National Trust have been working with Horrabridge Primary school using animation to bring a bit of Hollywood to West Devon!

The course began with a visit to Antony House, the 18th century Cornish mansion where the new Alice in Wonderland movie was filmed which starred Johnny Depp.

The programme sees parents and children working together to create their own short fantasy animation movie using a range of art and modelling tools and computer technology.

Parents will also have the opportunity to see how IT resources are used within the curriculum whilst improving their own skills.

Not only does it give parents the confidence to learn new skills, it also makes it a combined learning experience and helps maintain and strengthen vital ties within families.

Penny Westlake, Family Learning locality co-ordinator for Devon County Council said: 'The course has been extremely popular with eleven families enrolled, and has received an overwhelmingly positive response from all involved.

'With the release of the Alice In Wonderland film this month it is very exciting to be working alongside something so current. Animation is a fantastic way to learn new IT skills whilst developing literacy skills too.'

Family Learning is part of Devon Adult and Community Learning and offers courses in pre-schools, children's centres, primary schools, secondary schools and libraries.

Topics include animation, literacy, helping with homework, numeracy, IT skills and keeping up to date with how children learn.

For more information on the range of courses offered please contact Penny on 0781 697 3926.