Children have been navigating through mystical forests, solved puzzles and worked together at code breaking to find the Olympic torch after it was kidnapped.

These are some of the scenarios year three pupils at Arnhem Wharf primary school, on Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs, faced last week as part of an alternative theatre production aimed at engaging children in numeracy through drama.

Half Moon Young People’s Theatre in White Horse Road, Whitechapel, has been running the weekly project which began last October and finishes next month.

Children from Kobi Nazrul Primary Schools, Settles Street, Stepney, have also taken part in the project funded by The Ironmongers’ Company.