Pupils at a Norwich school have been taking inspiration from one of the earliest types of bicycle to try and improve their detective skills.

Valley Primary School, in the Marlpit area of west Norwich, returned to school after the weekend to find a selection of intriguing objects, including a penny farthing bicycle, a magic wand and a black cape.

The bicycle was a modern version of the 19th century type of bicycle and headteacher Chris Spinks asked the children to use their imaginations to work out who had left the items, how they had done so without being seen and why they had chosen Valley Primary.

Ideas included a kindly, retiring wizard leaving the objects to help train young wizards, or simply that a wizard is taking his summer holiday.

There was also a theory that the cape is an invisibility cloak, which explains how stealthily the operation was carried out.

Manuela Bracey, Early Years manager and co-literacy leader, said: 'The children's imaginations have been ignited and this strange occurrence is helping to develop creativity and writing throughout the school.'