CAPTAIN Blackbeard and all his fearsome crew were cast ashore to celebrate pirates day at Eastover Primary School last week.

“Ooh arrs” and sea shanties could be heard across the playground as swashbuckling year five pupils dressed in colourful and traditional pirate costumes for the day, which was arranged to coincide with a topic on the famous sea bandits.

The year group had already previously got to grips with the skill of fencing thanks to a workshop held at the school as part of the topic.

They donned protective clothing for the session and were given expert guidance from Jim Perry in mastering the exciting ancient art.

Lisa Durrant, from Eastover Primary School, said: “We did a fencing session last year and the topic this year so decided to invite Jim back for another session.

“The year group had a really good time and got into it. Every child joined in and responded really well.”