YOUNG Indiana Jones fans found themselves swapping their classroom for an archaeological dig on their school grounds.

St George's CE Primary School pupils have been developing their creative writing all week with the help of a journalist — but little did they think they would put what they had learned into action.

They came into school as usual, but lessons were cancelled as a discovery had been made on the grounds of the Westhoughton school which warranted their immediate attention.

The Year Six pupils visit the excavation site before documenting their findings and writing up their thoughts in a variety of styles.

The next day the children were visited by a detective to tell them what would happen next to identify the findings, thought to be Viking remains!

The creative exercise was designed to enthuse young people about writing and take the lead in the subject, using experiences to create pieces in all different styles.

The stunt was mocked up by journalist Karen Connolly.

Headteacher Philip Ivory said: "Karen Connolly is a journalist who currently works for the BBC and Radio Manchester.

"She is working with Year Six all week developing their creative writing.

"She has wowed the children today with stories about the famous people she has interview — these include Ronaldo, Harry Stiles, Little Mix and David Beckham.

"The children uncovered buried Viking remains as a stimulus for their writing this week.

"The children's engagement levels have been brilliant and we are looking forward to seeing their final pieces of writing later in the week.

"Karen has been an inspiration so far and the children are benefitting enormously from working with a bona fide journalist."