YOUNGSTERS at Puddletown First School have become history detectives as they prepare to say goodbye to a 150-year-old building.

The school will be moving to a new modern facility in the October half term but there was still a chance to celebrate 150 years of the old building.

Archaeology expert Julian Richards led the children on a project looking at the history of the school including an excavation in the grounds that revealed some fascinating finds.

Headteacher Daniel Hunwick said Roman and medieval pottery, Victorian china and slates that children used to write on in school were all uncovered.

He said the pupils had been really engaged with the project and enjoyed looking back over the school’s past.

Mr Hunwick said: “The children have really been history detectives, asking questions and finding the answers.

“They have really enthused and been really excited about the project and they have been really excited about the history.”

A special celebratory event saw the youngsters show off the work they have been doing in an exhibition at the school.

Former pupils who had attended the school more than 50 years ago attended, as did parish councillors, parents and members of the Puddletown Society.

Year 4 children acted as guides on the day to show the guests around.

Mr Hunwick said everyone at the school was really looking forward to the move to the new school and the improvements it would bring to the working and learning environment.

However, he said it would still be sad to say goodbye to the old school.

Mr Hunwick said: “It will be sad to leave this building which has got so much history behind it but we intend to take that heritage with us to the new school.”