YOUNGSTERS from a Bournemouth primary school were thrilled to meet two baby owls as part of their topic on castles, medieval times, royalty and knights.

The three-week-old Tawny owls were part of a contingent from Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre to visit Avonwood Primary in Harewood Avenue.

Reception class pupils also got to meet a European Eagle owl, a European Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon to show them how birds of prey would have played a key part in castle life.

The school has now officially sponsored one of the baby owls and the children will get to name him plus stay in regular contact with Ringwood’s Liberty Centre to see him grow.

Head of Avonwood, Annie Dowling, said: “The children were enthralled to see these magnificent creatures up close and hear all about them.

“This visit was linked to the children’s topic of learning, which we have called ‘once there were dragons.’

“They are learning about castles where birds of prey played a key role in hunting and entertainment and also all about our royal family, knights, princesses and of course dragons.”

Their magical topic continues throughout the rest of the term, when the children will be writing stories about dragons, making cards to send to the new royal baby Princess Charlotte and role-playing life in a castle.

The topic will culminate in a castle banquet fit for little kings and queens.