PEOPLE in Droitwich went out in force to watch the partial eclipse on Friday morning, with school children from several of the town’s schools enjoying the experience.

Children at Chawson First School made pinhole cameras, as well as enjoying eclipse-inspired dances, creating their own art work and writing.

Deputy head Nicola Peck, said: “We knew this was a once in a lifetime experience for our children and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Although we were prepared and excited, nothing could prepare us for the magic of taking the whole school out to see the eclipse. The children and teachers were in awe, and this is the stuff memories are made of.”

Pupil Lucy Davis added: “It was really amazing. It was all orangey and fabulous, it looked like a giant banana, and I wanted to pick it.”

At Droitwich Spa High School weeks of preparation nearly came to nothing when only 740 out of the 1,300 pairs of eclipse viewing glasses the school had ordered actually turned up.

A spokesman from the school said that there was some discussion over health and safety concerns, and the school did consider the possibility of letting three year groups out to watch the eclipse, but in the end the pupils were taken outside in groups, and everyone in the school got the chance to enjoy the event.

Members of Droitwich Camera Club used specialist lens filters to take full advantage of the opportunity to photograph the eclipse achieving some beautiful effects through the slight cloud cover on the day.