A BAND of fearsome young buccaneers learned about what it takes to be a real pirate at Hartlebury Castle on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Pirate School at the Worcestershire attraction saw floods of youngsters brave the elements to take to the high seas.

The school was led by Captain Sharkbreath with help from first mate Ruby Cutlass and Scurvy Dogg the buccaneer with activities including a fancy dress competition, sea shanties and a treasure hunt.

The museum’s property and projects manager Rachel Robinson said it was “a fantastic event”.

“Everyone who braved the rain had a really great day,” she said.

“Captain Sharkbreath kept everyone in check and almost all the children came in fancy dress which looked amazing.

“Our lovely museum volunteers had also spent the last few months building us a pirate ship, the Black Pear, which took pride of place in the Great Hall and the children had great fun boarding the ship and having a go at being captain.”

For more information on events at Hartlebury Castle call 01299 250 416.