SCHOOLCHILDREN enjoyed a history lesson with a difference when they stepped back in time.

Pupils enjoyed travelling back to the Saxon way of life with the help of historians from the Cranborne Ancient Technology Centre.

The re-enactment team braced winter sunshine and the icy winds of Wareham to set up a replica camp with real campfires and tools from the day.

Children from Wareham St Mary Primary School were captivated by hands-on attempts at traditional skills and crafts such as making coloured cloth and using weaponry such as spears, shields, swords and slingshots, which vividly brought this part of their school curriculum to life.

Year 4 teacher and deputy headteacher, Robert Wellman said the event enabled the youngsters to come face to face with many of the difficulties of daily life in Wareham 1,000 years ago.

Mr Wellman said “We were delighted that the Ancient Technology Centre Team was able to visit and provide children of all abilities with some excellent hands-on experiences.

“Throughout this term they have been learning about their local Saxon and Viking heritage.

“Our learning journey started with a walk around the walls in early January when we marvelled at the scale of these earthworks; who built them, how they were built and for what purpose. Now the children have many insights into the lives of the people who have left such an obvious mark on the town.”

Pupils enjoying the day included Arthur Brooke who said: “I had to work really hard to sound the Viking horn.”

Billy Ashton said: “I enjoyed it so much I was sad when the day ended.”

And Maddie Winter added: “It was so much fun learning how the Vikings kept themselves warm.”