A crocodile created in the classroom by creative boys from The Hereson School at Broadstairs now stands proudly with other creatures in one of the south’s top natural history museums.

Year 7 pupils and creative workshop tutor Tim Guess set to work after being inspired during a visit to Quex Museum at Quex Park, Birchington, where crocs and alligators are featured in the spectacular displays.

Over six weeks they constructed an eight-foot long creature from a chicken-wire frame, covered with papier-mache, textured wallpaper and decorated with acrylic paint sealed with PVA glue.

Working with the museum’s education officer Keith Dunmall, the Hereson team perfected their effort and returned it to the museum where it is on show to visitors.

Mr Guess said: “The project was fun, but as well as developing creative skills, the boys learnt about self-esteeem, communications, teamwork, literacy and problem solving.”