PUPILS at a New Forest school will be wearing 17th century costumes and elegant wigs when they stage their latest play.

Year 8 pupils at Hordle Walhampton School, Lymington, will entertain parents with a production of Tartuffe, by the French playwright Moliere.

The central character attempts to destroy the domestic happiness of a prominent citizen who has welcomed him into his house as a guest.

A school spokesman said: "Tartuffe is a play about a complete scoundrel who gets up to all sorts of mischief but is uncovered at the end.

"It's not the sort of production normally performed by children, but we're doing a shortened version - in English."

About 15 pupils at the independent preparatory school are taking part in the play, which will be staged tonight tomorrow and Friday.

The spokesman said rehearsals were going well.

He added: "The children love it, especially once they have got their costumes on. That's all part of the fun."