CHILDREN at Dunster First School have had a surprise visit from none other than King Henry VIII.

Portly monarch Good King Hal dropped by on Monday as part of a school project on the Tudors.

Teacher Nic Gray said: "The visit of King Henry VIII was a great way for us to round off our history work on the Tudors.

"Throughout the autumn term the children have been studying the Tudors in their History lessons and the visit by gave them an opportunity to further their knowledge."

Activities during the morning included a question and answer session with the King, a Tudor quiz and an opportunity to investigate some Tudor paintings.

Nic added: "In the afternoon session the children found out about crime and punishment in Tudor times. Unfortunately several children found themselves on the wrong side of King Henry VIII and ended up experiencing what it was like to be put in the stocks."

The afternoon was rounded off with some jousting with the children riding hobbyhorses to show off their equestrian skills.