Schoolchildren in Dorchester were shocked to find a gallant knight and team of security guards protecting their school building one morning following reports of a dragon spotted on site.

The Prince of Wales School was kicking off an #InspiredToLearn writing week focused on dragons when by chance a dragon was apparently spotted by a local resident.

Following the sighting, a full on-site inspection by school caretaker Paul Bascombe revealed a number of worrying signs across the school.

Mr Bascombe said: "Well, I couldn't believe my eyes really. I am used to finding the odd forgotten jumper or water bottle on the school field but never scorch marks. These distinctive scorch marks appear to have been left by a fire-breathing beast.

"I also found claw marks and a book, the most mysterious of books, which I immediately brought to the attention of our literacy co-ordinator and assistant headteacher Mrs Sam Johnson."

Speaking about the mysterious book, Mrs Johnson said: "It appears that the dragon was seeking to steal a book belonging to our esteemed leader and noble knight, Sir Spracklen. While the book has been recovered, the writing inside is missing."

Asked about the serious events as they were unfolding, pupils were left shocked and inspired to help Sir Spracklen.

Year 1 pupil Jacob said: "It's all very exciting - we all need to help Sir Spracklen by writing new pages for his mysterious book. I am writing about how to catch a dragon."

Year 4 pupil Evie added: "My writing is going to be all about what to do with the dragon once it's been caught. Not all dragons are bad, it may be a friendly dragon that's got a little lost. I am going to keep an open mind on the matter."

Speaking about the week of inspired writing, chairman of governors at The Prince of Wales School, Kevin Tatchell, said: "Captivating and engaging extended writing opportunities is a golden thread that runs all year round at The Prince of Wales School. Our hard working and dedicated staff team has done an excellent job this week in bringing a whole-school focus through dragons.

"At The Prince of Wales School, we have an ethos that welcomes all learners and seeks to inspire everyone to learn. Our staff care deeply about providing the very best experience for each and every child at our school - this week is further testament to that."

The school has received many plaudits for its inspiring and inventive approach to learning. Following its most recent inspection visit, Ofsted wrote: "Leaders have ensured that the school's engaging curriculum is inspiring pupils to learn. There is a breadth of coverage which is underpinned by numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their writing.

"Teachers look for every opportunity to supplement the curriculum with activities and events that inspire pupils and fire their imagination."

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below!

You can submit your own news straight to Dorchester Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @DorchesterNubNews on Facebook and @DorchesterNub Twitter.