CHILDREN have been learning about the teachings of Jesus through the medium of Disney film Toy Story this week.

More than 5,000 children are taking part in the Lighthouse holiday week run by Christians from churches in the area for four to eleven-year-olds.

There are sites at Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Great Missenden, Burnham and at Hazlemere the week's theme is 'Toy Story.'

Chairman of Hazlemere Lighthouse Peter Lock said a woman from Wycombe Youth for Christ produces teaching material from the Bible and uses an extract from the film Toy Story Two to illustrate the story.

He said: “It is quite cleverly done and the children can see issues like friendship in the film, which works well.”

During the week children take part in various activities including drama, sport, craft and dancing and singing.

The week is free but organisers do ask for donations at the end of the week towards running costs.

Chairman of Princes Risborough Lighthouse Ingrid Gardner said: “We are a Christian organisation but we are presenting it in a fun way.

“The majority of children who come to Lighthouse don't go to church or a church school so this is their only exposure to Jesus and God.”

The Lighthouse project was set up in Great Missenden in 1987 and has since expanded to other sites.

Chairman of Great Missenden Lighthouse Trevor Darley said: “I think it is just such a fun week for the kids. They enjoy themselves and they have a really good moral input.”