AN EXCITED bunch of schoolchildren swapped their desks for horseback and their classrooms for yurts as Mongolian Week got into full swing.

Pupils from Dean Barwick School in Witherslack teamed up with staff and students from Lancaster’s Beaumont College for the adventure, which saw them learning all about the nomadic culture.

As well as getting practical by building a yurt and making traditional Mongolian prayer flags, the three to 11 year-olds enjoyed a visit from the equine residents of Witherslack Hall - all of which turned out with traditional Mongolian saddles.

“We also had clay modelling, food tasting, story telling and all sorts of other activities,” said infant teacher Paul Macfarlane. “The children loved it. They earned about the culture, the horses and enjoyed spending time with the students from Beaumont College. Until now our children hadn’t really encountered working with people with disability.

“Originally it was just going to be a one off but we are going to keep a continuous link with Lancaster and do things together over the year.”