PUPILS from Port Glasgow High got in on the act with a 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance to write, film and star in their own episode of the hit BBC drama River City.

Swapping the school canteen for River City's Oyster Cafe, 20 pupils teamed up with River City writers as well as Libby McArthur, who plays feisty redhead Gina in the soap, to write, act and film their very own episode called Shiver City.

In true showbiz style, pupils got the chance to see their episode played at a special premiere in front of TV bosses at BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow.

Tina Harper, drama teacher at the school, said the pupils, who are all studying Standard Grade, Intermediate 2 or Higher drama, are stars in the making.

She told the Telegraph: "The pupils absolutely loved it - it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Having that whole experience working with the professionals and being allowed on the real set of River City showed them how much hard work is involved in acting and some of the pupils told me they didn't realise how much hard work is involved.

"The pupils also learned to be confident and that has shown in the class room. It was so worthwhile." The project began when BBC bosses visited the school on Monday 7 January and auditioned pupils for the project.

Over the course of three weeks, pupils enjoyed both scriptwriting workshops and acting classes before filming their episode at the River City set in Dumbarton.

Pupil Adam Hannah said the experience was invaluable.

He said: "Being part of the crew was amazing and exciting. I learned a lot about what happens behind the scenes. It was a brilliant experience that I would love to do again." The storyline of the Port High episode revolved around kids who auditioned for a TV programme called Shiver City, featuring the show's star Libby.

According to Tina, BBC boses were very impressed with the episode when they saw it at the screening last week.

She said: "Pupils watched themselves on the big screen and then were given time to network with the others.

"We were then given a guided tour around the BBC including the studio where Mrs Brown's Boys is filmed, which the pupils loved!

"Also the BBC head of children's drama commented on how talented our pupils were." The project, which was run by L.A.B (learn @ BBC Scotland) in conjunction with the drama's crew, also involved pupils making a documentary about the whole process.