YOUNGSTERS put the wind in the sails of their newest topic by holding a pirates 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 two teacher Matt Hughes said the day was ‘fantastic’. “What child doesn’t like pirates and treasure maps?

“The day was designed to kickstart 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.

“Everyone had a great time."