TALENTED students at Waltham Forest College have celebrated Black History Month with a variety show featuring singing, dancing and drama performances.

It included a routine based on Michael Jackson's pop hit 'I'll Be There' by Performing Arts students and a highly-praised monologue by 15-year-old Diana Stelmach about American Civil Rights campaigner Rosa Parks.

And Bibiane Diananatu, 17, who is currently studying towards a Level 3 qualification in IT,  wowed the crowds with a traditional Congolese village dance.

She said: “I’ve been dancing ever since I was a little girl. I come from a family of dancers, so we all love moving.

"I was taught the dance I performed by my granddad so it is very special to me.”

The event was one of a number of activities held at the college, in Forest Road, Walthamstow, to mark Black History Month.

There was also a tour and talk by local historian Peter Ashan, a showing of acclaimed film 'The Help' and a 'Black Visual Arts Show'.

Jonathon Constable, the college's Enrichment Officer who organised the events, said: “Black History Month is an integral part of the college calendar, and we are proud to celebrate the diversity of Waltham Forest College.

"Every year the  level of interest and participation increases as does the standard of performances. 

"I’m very proud of all those who took part and attended”.