HIS adventures have inspired stories, pictures, poems and even rap songs - not bad for someone who is only a few inches tall and made of cardboard.

Bill the Box has become a hero among the 400 pupils of St Michael's CE Primary School in Bournemouth.

He was brought into the school as a way of involving pupils in planning their own work and activities across the curriculum.

During a week of activities, Bill had his photo taken surfing outside Hot Rocks and relaxing in the Square. Pupils planned him a holiday, made him a passport, based a play around him and designed him a family.

Others wrote poems and rap songs about his adventures, interviewed him, created cartoon strips about him, decorated a room for him, drew up his family tree and investigated an incident in which he was "boxnapped".

Hannah Trunwitt, aged 11, said: "What I liked the most about this week was making Bill's family, working out codes and making up poems. This has been the best week at school. It's been fantastic."

Poppy Stephens, eight, said: "I liked making his bedroom. This week has been fun and exciting."

Alexander Blake, nine, said: "We got to draw Bill doing extreme sports."

Head teacher Bob Kennedy said: "The purpose behind this week has been to explore cross-curricular themes, to involve children in the painting of their own work and to promote learning in a creative, innovative and enjoyable way.

"We hope to produce a book about Bill's visit and aim for every child in the school to be involved in this project."

He added: "During the week the children have experienced a wide range of activities covering many areas of the curriculum. The children, teachers and teaching assistants have thought of many imaginative ideas and have really enjoyed the week."