A DEAD dinosaur taxed the little grey cells of Kildwick children.

Children from the village primary school became crime scene investigators after hearing about the demise of Trixie the Triceratops.

They learned forensics skills and interacted with adults playing reporters, police and government scientific advisors during the day, designed to be as realistic as possible.

Tim Whitehead, head of Kildwick Primary School, said the children arrived at school to discover that something mysterious had been happening during the half-term break.

He said: “A CSI tent, cordoned off with police tape, greeted them as they walked past the church.

“Reporters, the police and special government scientific advisors gathered in the playground and ushered the 129 mesmerised pupils into the hall to listen to an impromptu press conference.

“Once inside, the police informed the children that this case was being handed over to the government's special scientific advisors who would be helping the children solve the mystery.”

Groups of children visited the crime scene throughout the day and had the opportunity to discuss, critically analyse and formulate a case for the untimely demise of Trixie.

Workshops were led by Mike Windle from the North East Yorkshire Geology Trust.

The whole school gathered in the marquee in the afternoon where each class were invited to present their case to the judge about how Trixie died.

Mr Whitehead said: “The curriculum has been brought to life through this enrichment activity and will now form the basis of this half terms work, stimulating and increased focus on reading and writing.”

The school will visit Robin Hood’s Bay later in the term to conduct fossil investigations and also take part in Andy Goldsworthy-style environmental art led by Mr Windle and Denisa Francis, a parent and local artist.

The school has been awarded an awards for all grant from the national lottery to continue its activities with the North East Yorkshire Geology Trust.

With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Geology Trust runs a hostel activities for schools across North Yorkshire, including fossil walks, ‘geonaut’ events, rock and fossil roadshows and guided walks.

The organisation, which works in the Robin Hood’s Bay area, has produced a fossil guide, an Earth Heritage booklet and 26 trail guides to help people discover secrets in the landscape.