STAFF and children in Stowford School’s nursery enjoyed some hearty fun when they became pirates for a day.

Activities included learning how to talk like pirates, finding a message in a bottle, and following a map to find hidden treasure. Youngsters enjoyed painting parrots, and making pirate jewellery, masks and eye patches.

They finished their day by making a ship, singing sea shanties, and finally walking the plank.

Nursery teacher Sophie Lamerton said: ‘The children all looked fantastic in their pirate costumes and really enjoyed all the activities. Perhaps the most exciting thing was the opportunity to actually dig for treasure.’