HISTORY was brought alive for youngsters at a Purbeck first school when they took part in a mock Roman battle.

Normal lessons were put to one side as Corfe Castle First School pupils marched on to the school field complete with shields, spears and swords.

The enactment was the culmination of the school’s Roman Week, which was a period of study aimed at educating the youngsters on the ancient empire.

Assistant head Sarah Millward explained: “We’ve been studying Romans all week, learning about all the different aspects of Rome. The children have really enjoyed it.

“So we invited a local dramatist, Simon Stone, along to the school to help re-enact a Roman battle with our children.”

The youngsters acted as serving members of the Roman army, even forming some of the historic battle formations that helped Rome conquer the ancient world.

“It wasn’t any particular historic battle but it was re-enacted to highlight how the Romans would have fought,” added Sarah.

She said: “The children had shields and had to make the classic interlocked tortoise formation called the testudo.

“They also threw spears and had bows and arrows. It was apt the week ended with a big Roman battle that went on all morning, as that is what they were famous for.”

Headteacher Nigel Beckett said: “This sort of activity brings learning to life.”