YOUNGSTERS at a Penarth school took a journey back in time when they boarded a modern-day train to blitz Barry Island as evacuees.

The nine to 11-year-old pupils from St Joseph’s dressed in 1940s style clothing to take part in classroom lessons – featuring air raid drill and practice – before boarding an Arriva Trains Wales carriage from Cogan to the Barry seaside resort where they were put through their paces by Barry At War museum volunteers.

The school has been studying the topic of the Second World War - Blitz ‘n’ Pieces – looking at the effects of the conflict on the lives of men women and children on the home front.

The children had the opportunity to speak to a former evacuee about her experiences, look at artefacts of the time and sit in an Anderson shelter.

Teacher, Hayley Mackie said: “We wanted to enhance the learning through practical experiences that the children would remember.

“We had a hugely positive response from the children who haven't stopped talking about what they did. The museum staff were very impressed with the children's knowledge and enthusiasm and the efforts they made to get into the spirit of the event.

“Staff were able to get an insight into life as an evacuee from listening to first-hand accounts.

“Seeing the artefacts up close has provided us with valuable knowledge that we can transfer into the classroom.

“We cannot thank the staff and volunteers at the museum enough for their time, effort, enthusiasm and knowledge they made the visit such a worthwhile experience for the children.”