YOUNG people and staff stepped back in time to experience the "Hard Times" of the Dickensian era.

Pupils at St Bernard's RC School in Wendover Drive, Ladybridge, found themselves being ruled by the cane as they turned up to school on the last day before the half-term break.

The primary school pupils were told to line up in an orderly fashion to undergo an inspection by the "strict" headmistress of the school Clare Doodson.

Mrs Doodson, dressed in the sombre fashion of the day, said: "A drill was held and fingernails were inspected and the boys and girls were told to stand up straight in silence before they could enter school."

But it was all in good fun, for the school was holding a Victorian themed day to bring to a close pupils' study of the era.

Since the beginning of term, pupils have taken part in history workshops led by a local historian, staged and starred in their production of Scrooge and studied the topic in detail in subjects including art and drama.

Mrs Doodson said: "Everyone dressed up for the day, the staff were enthusiastic and helped make the costumes. Everyone got into character.

"A cane was found, and the pupils used chalk to create the feeling of being in a Victorian school. As well as being a fun day, events like this help bring learning to life and allow the children to be creative."

Youngsters also enjoyed traditional games, like hopscotch. Oliver Griffin, aged 11, said: "The day really showed what the Victorian times were like. I wouldn't like to have lived in those times, because it was so strict. The cane did not look nice. But the day was fun, and I really enjoyed playing the games."