VISITORS to the County Museum at Hartlebury Castle will be able to jump aboard a ship as they host their big family event ‘Pirate School’.

Captain Sharkbreath invites visitors off all ages to come along and learn how to be a pirate, between 11am and 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday (August 31).

The Captain, assisted by First Mate Ruby Cutlass and Scurvy Dog the Baccaneer, will be teaching visiting pupils various lessons including jobs aboard ship, singing sea-shanties and how to talk ‘pirate’.

Children will also be taught the rigours of a cannon firing drill and will get to have a go themselves.

They can also follow a treasure map through the museum to discover their own piece of treasure at the end.

Other activities will include making pirate flags, storytelling and face painting and the museum’s team of volunteers have built a pirate ship, ‘The Black Pear’, for children to climb aboard.

At 3pm, Captain Sharkbreath will judge the pirate fancy dress competition, so children visiting are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate wear.

Visitors may be lucky enough to spot school inspector Jack Sparrow, who will visit on the day.

Rachel Robinson, museum manager, said: “We are really excited about our big Pirate School day, there will be so much to see and do on the day and we are pleased that Captain Sharkbreath, Ruby Cutlass, Scurvy Dog and Jack Sparrow have agreed to teach at our school.

“All the staff are looking forward to learning how to be great pirates and for anyone out there who would like to attend our school for the day, don’t forget to wear your pirate costume.”

Admission charges for the day are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions and £13 for a family of four, two adults and two children.

For more information call 01299 250416.