A WRITING project proved out of this world for pupils who were asked to investigate the “crash landing” of a UFO in the grounds of their school.

An examination of the site at St Thomas’s Primary in Pimhole Road, Bury, together with CCTV footage of the flying saucer coming to grief in the field, gave the youngsters a wealth of material to whet their literary appetites.

The mock UFO crash scenario, the inspiration of imaginative staff, proved a novel and unusual theme in which to engage the pupils in writing.

Teacher Martin Van Hecke explained: “We started the day by setting the crash site up and then sealing off the building so the pupils could not get access to the field when they arrived at the school.”

During assembly, the youngsters were told the FBI wanted St Thomas’s to investigate the crash of the alien craft.

Mr Van Hecke added: “Every class then inspected the crash site throughout the day. We had forensic scientists, staff in white overallls, monitoring the site and police checking who visited the site.

“Each class then did some writing around what they had found out. We had alien ‘wanted’ posters, alien languages, newspaper reports, diary entries and alien descriptions.

“The day was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and it also produced some exquisite writing from pupils who at times don’t always enjoy the writing process.”