CHILDREN were excited to meet some trombone-playing pirates as a new boat was officially commissioned for a school’s play area.

Members of the Royal Marine Band arrived at Torpoint Nursery and Infant School in costumes for a morning of sea shanties, music and merriment as the youngsters took charge of the ‘HMS Smeaton’.

The boat had been restored by a member of the band who is also the father of a pupil at the school, as a spokesperson explained: “Our new beach area has been created as part of the refurbishment of the outdoor learning environment in our Nursery Unit.

Overwhelmed

“It will provide an opportunity for the children to use imaginary play and it also sits alongside the construction area, a life-size small world area, a road with zebra crossing and petrol filling station, a musical area, a mindfulness area and mud kitchen.

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the community of Torpoint who have donated items such as the rowing boat, paint, wood and even a kitchen sink!” the spokesperson continued.

“The children are enthusiastically learning through play and we, as staff, are amazed by what they are achieving on a daily basis.

“I am extremely grateful to members of the Royal Marine Band for commissioning HMS Smeaton and for the fun and laughter they brought to the children.”