With paddling pools, ice cream, and orange juice and lemonade 'cocktails', youngsters at Sheringham Primary School had all the ingredients for the perfect end-of-term 'beach' party.

The fun was held in the reception and nursery playground on Monday.

'The only thing missing was the sun,' said nursery teacher and special education needs co-ordinator Steph Askew.

'But we all had a great time anyway and the children absolutely loved soaking the teachers.'

The party, which was held for the first time last year, was the idea of foundation stage staff, who pumped up paddling pools and laid on beach-themed drinks and snacks.

Youngsters turned up for school armed with towels and wearing sun hats, swimwear and beach shoes, before spending the morning working their way around a range of 'pool party' playground activities.

'The beach party is a good opportunity to make use of our wonderful outdoor area,' Mrs Askew said. 'But it is also another chance for nursery children to meet their teachers and teaching assistants and to mix with reception pupils before they move up to the main school in September.'

Nursery pupils, who broke up for the summer yesterday also took a trip on the North Norfolk Railway last week, stopping off at Kelling Heath for a picnic before making their way back to Sheringham on the steam train.

'I think we have had a lovely start to the summer holidays,' added Mrs Askew.