NOT many people can say that have been on stage in front of a BAFTA award winning writer but Wiltshire College students did just that when they starred in a musical that he wrote.

Bob Baker was in the audience at the Arc Theatre, Trowbridge, to see the teenagers perform his musical Silver, which tells the story of Long John Silver and his comrades.

The college's performing arts lecturer, Jamie Wright, was in the original cast when the musical made its debut at Bristol Old Vic in 2002 and he managed to get Mr Baker down for the show.

"I thought the students did a fantastic job and we were thrilled to come along as special guests to watch them," said Mr Baker.

"Silver is very special to me as I love Treasure Island and find the character of Long John Silver fascinating.

"The musical starts on the last page of the book and brings in most of the characters from it – in a return to the island to get the silver that was left there."

Mr Baker brought the BAFTAs he won for co-writing Wallace and Gromit’s A Matter of Loaf and Death and the Curse of the Were Rabbit and K9, the character which he created for Doctor Who, on the night.

His wife Marie, who also attended, co-wrote the script for the musical.

"Well, what a performance you gave. It was disciplined, focussed and some of the individual performances were outstanding," she said.

"You all worked as a cohesive group and I think your tutor Jamie should be really, really proud of you all.

"I want to thank you for inviting Bob and myself to come along and I would welcome the chance to come and see you in some of your future plays."

Mr Wright, who played Squire Trelawny in the original cast, added: "I was also delighted to welcome Bob and Marie as special guests to the final performance and it was lovely to receive their wonderful feedback."

This took place on May 18.