CHILDREN and staff of Chawton Primary arrived at school to discover a large, golden egg-like object in the playground.

It was, according to assistant headteacher Kirsty Blandford, a piece of exciting role play relating to a current English unit of work in years one, two and three, requiring pupils to investigate and write a newspaper report on the incident.

The children from Maple Class reported that they, and Beech Class, had been “mystified to find tables and chairs had been knocked over and a trail of straw which led through the classrooms.

Following the trail they discovered a shiny, golden, scaly, egg-like object in what looked like a nest of straw in one of the flower beds in the back playground. Staff quickly secured the area to ensure everyone’s safety.

“ It is very exciting that this has happened at our school and we can’t wait to find out what is inside,” said five-year-old Martha.

“Headteacher Miss Tilley asked the children to investigate this mysterious event further and letters were written to experts asking for help and advice. The children have since received a letter from the Department of Mythological Objects and Artefacts who have offered their assistance. They are continuing to watch the mysterious object closely.”

A pupil from Beech Class wrote: “The pupils first realised something was wrong when several tables and chairs were upturned and straw was spread throughout the classrooms.

“Years one, two and three followed the trail of straw, which lead them to a nest containing a large, scaly egg-shaped object. It has been reported that witnesses believe it to be from an unidentified creature.

“The whole incident started at around 8.30am on April 17 when the school’s students began to arrive for their lessons. However, it soon became apparent that something untoward had occurred. Class teacher Miss Blandford immediately cordoned off the area which was deemed to be hazardous.”

“Miss Tilly, headteacher of Chawton Primary School, said: “We are deeply shocked with these unusual occurrences. We are taking every possible measure to get to the bottom of what is responsible for this.”

She also tasked the classes with further investigation, to determine what to do next.

Shocked learning support assistant Mrs New stated: “I am extremely concerned about what is inside that egg. I’ve never seen anything like it!”