THE FOREFATHERS of flying and their hot air balloon have ‘crash landed’ at a Colne school.

Pupils at Sacred Heart Primary School in Red Lane were amazed to find the historical figures, Orville and Wilbur Wright who piloted the first powered airplane 20 feet above a wind-swept beach in North Carolina in 1903, on their school field in the giant sky vessel.

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The visit was part of the school-wide history project looking at the subject of flight.

Head teacher John Robertshaw said: “The children didn’t know anything about it until the balloon ‘crash landed’ in the field.

“The children were amazed when they saw the balloon. We made history come to life.

“We try and do something each year to really engage them with their learning. They completely believed the stories that we told them.

“The pupils have taken part in a carousel of activities such as making kites, launching rockets, an airport treasure hunt and finding out more about the hot air balloon.

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“Lots more exciting things will be coming up in the next few weeks including a trip to Manchester Airport.

“It’s all about learning for us. It’s not about tests and levels, it’s about teaching them the whole curriculum through learning.

“By bringing history to life, they will go home excited about what’s happened and want to find out more.”

Previous history re-enactments have included Henry VIII, Pirates, Greek olympians and Pendle Witches.

Joanne Edwards, deputy head teacher said: “It has gone really well. The children have learnt about how the hot air balloon works, how many people are allowed in the basket, what the gas does and the different parts of the balloon. The children were amazed.”