It was an action-packed final week for pupils at St Mary’s Primary School in Marlborough, with a visit from a farm and a pirate day to round off their year.

Friendships blossomed between the pupils and residents at Marlborough Lodge when they came together to enjoy an afternoon with Dave and Ewe’s mobile farm, from Devizes, last Monday.

The care home arranged the visit at the school to build stronger links with the community.

Manager Jackie Harper said: “We’ve had a positive response from the school, and our residents always respond well to children.

“It’s definitely something we would like to do again.”

As well as getting to know animals such as a pony, llama and guinea pig, the children sang to the residents including Happy Birthday for one of the ladies.

Anne Schwodler, headteacher at St Mary’s School, said: “It was a really nice afternoon. The children loved it and I think the residents had a good time too.

“It was lovely for the children to interact with the elderly residents and the staff from Marlborough Lodge were really good in the way they introduced the residents, giving the children information about their lives.”

The school is now hoping to arrange more events involving both pupils and residents at Marlborough Lodge.

Then, on Friday, staff and pupils dressed up as pirates, mermaids and sailors for the pirate day and poetry slam.

In the morning the school enjoyed a concert with a dance performance and music from the school choir followed by a fish and chip lunch.

In the afternoon they all took to the stage to recite poetry for the school’s first slam.

Year 1 pupil Matilda Sharman won the Speaking Cup for her recital of The Owl and the Pussy Cat.