A GROUP of reception children dressed up as pirates to support the RNLI.

The nursery and reception classes at Dartmouth Academy (pictured) donned their Sailors On the Sea outfits to raise money for RNLI SOS Day.

The event was part of the charity's national fundraising campaign.

Emma Heard, nursery teacher at the Dartmouth Academy, said the Sailors On the Sea day had helped raised more than £400 for the charity.

She added: "This was the perfect way for all of the children in the foundation unit to share a fun day of activities and dressing up.

"We are very focused on the children here and days like this, where we are having fun but also doing good for a charity, are very good for their development.

"Many of our children spend a full day with us from 9am until 3pm and really enjoy having their lunch at school, and on this day we had a number of SOS-themed activities throughout the day to make it extra special."

The academy's pupils and students across the academy site also spent the day getting dressed up and doing fundraising activities, such as special assemblies and a non-uniform day.

The activities all brought in £415.83 for the RNLI appeal.

Dartmouth Academy vice principal Rik Meek said: "The SOS Day was the perfect way to do that while also focusing on a fantastic charity which does so much for this country and Dartmouth especially."