DRAGON slaying was afoot in the historic surroundings of Corfe Castle on Sunday (26).

Young visitors to the castle were invited to join the attack on the 35-foot, smoke-blowing beast rampaging through the grounds of the 11th century fortress.

And the bravery of the pint-sized dragon slayers was not diminished by a discovery later in the day that their scaly foe was in fact made from willow.

The castle’s learning officer, Pam White, said visitors to the castle during the February half term and Easter holidays had helped to make the dragon’s scales.

Ribbon, organza, and other fabrics served as “flames” and poured from the dragon’s mouth with the assistance of a leaf blower concealed within its willow body.

Small smoke capsules added to the authenticity, but the mighty dragon proved no match for Ben Earnscliffe and Josh Lightfoot (pictured) who threw caution to the wind to save Purbeck people from the terrifying monster.