Astronauts, aliens and other extra-terrestrial adventurers touched down at Sheringham Woodfields School for a series of activities and events celebrating World Space Week.

Astronauts, aliens and other extra-terrestrial adventurers touched down at Sheringham Woodfields School for a series of activities and events celebrating World Space Week.

The fun kicked off with a re-enactment of the Big Bang, featuring bursting paint and glitter-filled balloons, with other cosmic capers ranging from space-themed cooking with Jupiter jelly and Mars muffins, to alien mask-making and rocket launcher test firing.

Nursery pupils made junk model space stations, while the school's sensory room was transformed into a mini universe, complete with floating planets and interactive activities.

Pupils also had a chance to work with visiting artists on a giant painting of the solar system; learn about the history of space travel; find out why there are craters on the moon; and pose for photographs which were then superimposed on to space-themed backgrounds.

Activities continued throughout the week, with a cosmic cake sale – which raised £104 for children's charity Variety – topped off with a finale featuring an astronaut and alien fashion parade.

Sheringham Woodfields head-teacher James Stanbrook said the school, which caters for around 100 children and young people with complex needs, was keen to take part in Space Week, which provided an opportunity for a wide range of learning opportunities.

The event, which is an international celebration of science and technology, last year boasted a record 1,600 events run in 72 nations by organisations ranging from schools and museums, to aerospace companies and astronomy clubs.

Mr Stanbrook praised Woodfields staff, pupils and parents for their support and creativity.

'It has been absolutely brilliant,' he added.

'Something special like Space Week really motivates children and makes them want to learn.'