DETECTIVES searched West Lakes Academy to look for evidence during a visit from year five pupils.

The academy's English department invited 160 pupils from local primary schools to its Detective Day.

Staff hoped to inspire a love of Sherlock Holmes and the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

"It was lovely to see our Sixth Form English prefects lead the sessions and for them to work with the Year 5 students to help inspire a love for English," said head of English, Melissa Relph.

"We love working with our feeder schools to inspire students to foster a love for reading and also create opportunities for our Sixth Form prefects to showcase their leadership skills.

"Everyone had a lovely time and students loved being able to solve the mysteries. Students were given a magnifying glass a detective pad to help aid their solving abilities."

Classrooms came alive and were transformed into three of Sherlock's most famous stories; 'The Adventure of Silver Blaze', 'The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez' and 'The Adventure of the Copper Beeches'.

The year five pupils had to gather evidence by looking at the clues set out around the room and listening to the different characters tell their stories.

To make the day memorable and engaging for the young students, the Sixth Form prefects were in fancy dress.