PUPILS at a west Dorset school stepped back in time last week when they celebrated the Victorian era.

Youngsters at Symondsbury Primary School donned waistcoats, caps, smocks and bonnets as they turned the clock back 150 years - enjoying lessons using slates and chalk.

The historical scene was part of two Victorian mornings for the children in Class 4 at the school. Dressed in authentic styles of clothing from 150 years ago, the pupils spent a morning at Victorian school, separated into boys and girls being taught the alphabet and times tables, experiencing the monotony of repetition and learning by rote.

The pupils' second morning gave them a taster of what it would have been like to work "downstairs" in a big house with the pupils learning cross stitch, baking biscuits, laying the table for a five-course meal and polishing boots.

Despite the gruelling tasks, pupils told their teachers that they enjoyed the experience and would like to do it again.

Class teacher Adrienne Griggs said: "The children really threw themselves into the spirit of our Victorian experience and it gave us the chance to learn about so many different aspects of Victorian living and the way in which young people would have lived and learned back then.

"It was also huge fun and brought a whole new perspective to our understanding of hard work."

At the end of the week, the school hall was transformed into an impressive art gallery as every single child had a piece of carefully created artwork put on display. Parents, family and friends were invited to a special viewing and framed works were then sold as unique and precious Christmas gifts.

Teaching assistant Paula Edney supported each class to develop a theme for their work and encouraged them to experiment with different styles and perspectives to create a stunning collection. Themes ranged from the iconic view of Colmers Hill and the changing of the seasons. Teacher Lisa Jenkin then coordinated the project to create a gallery style display and create a framing service for the parents.

Headteacher Emma Roberts said: "The standard of art on display really was outstanding and the children were rightly very proud to see their work displayed in a professional way, framed and purchased.

"We raised nearly £250 for the school from the exhibition, but more importantly we now have a school of children who believe in their creative skills and believe in themselves as artists."

Art work that was not sold will be on display throughout the school and can be seen when the school is open for its annual Christmas Fair tomorrow (2), from 5pm until 7pm.