YOUNGSTERS in a West Dorset school kick-started a new pirate-themed project with a special day.

The pupils, aged four to seven, at St Mary’s Church of England School in Beaminster, dressed up and got the chance to try everything from pirate dancing to a boat-building competition.

Year 2 teacher Matt Hughes said the day was ‘fantastic’. He said: “What child doesn’t like pirates and treasure maps?

“The day was designed to kick-start our theme for this half-term, which is pirates.

“That means that in science, for example, we’ll be looking at boats and how they float.”

He added: “But we always hold a day of activities to whet their appetite for the theme, and have a bit of fun.”

Parents were invited in and helped with a boat-building competition. Entries included those complete with oars, sails, rudders and pirate flags.

Mr Hughes said: “This is also a really good opportunity to work on team-building skills.”