VISITORS to a Dorset school might have been forgiven for thinking they had travelled back in time.

Youngsters at Wimborne St Giles First School wore Victorian-style costumes, took part in Victorian lessons and even Victorian games.

The school decided to celebrate the Victorian era because Lord Shaftesbury, a prominent Victorian, was responsible for the building of the school in 1903.

Headmistress Christine Goby, said: "We thought St George's Day was very appropriate because the Victorians did like to celebrate everything like that.

"We had simple Victorian lunches in a neckerchief of cheese and fruit and at playtime we had hoops, chalks and a rag football. At lesson time we had handwriting classes and a science lesson at the school pond."

Youngsters dressed in traditional costume - the boys in flat caps, shirts and trousers and the girls in Alice in Wonderland-style outfits."

The youngsters also took part in a Victorian-style school assembly where they sang God Save the Queen.

There was even a visit from rector David Paskins as Victorian schoolchildren would traditionally receive a visit from the vicar to inspect their schoolwork.

First published: April 26