A MOCK Viking ship is leading young schoolchildren on a voyage of discovery.

The vessel has been created at the back of the main building of Wingate Infant School, which has 107 pupils aged four to seven.

Money for the structure, which can hold 30 youngsters at a time, came from George Wimpey North-East, which is building houses in the village.

It was chosen by the pupils and has been used for creative role-playing sessions, reading, science lessons and breaktime play.

Acting headteacher Marie-Louise Binks said: "We have a lot of activities that are carried out at the front of the school, but we wanted something interactive to go at the back that could be used by pupils of all ages.

"We are delighted with the finished structure, and we expect the children to enjoy using it for many years to come."

Wimpey sales and marketing director Gareth Davies said: "It is always a pleasure to be able to put something back into the communities in which we build, and we are delighted that the frame is being put to such good use.

"I am sure that the ship will become an invaluable resource in day to day lessons."