THE HEADS of a Carlisle school have hit on a novel idea to raise the morale of students in lockdown.

Like all schools in the area and nationwide, Pennine Way Primary has had to call temporary time on teaching for most of its pupils because of the Coronavirus.

But to keep up the morale of students cooped up at home - and one who recently went into hospital and had an operation, deputy headteacher Andrew Beattie took the school's pet unicorn for an impromptu lesson in dressage in the playground.

On Wednesday they posted footage on the school's Twitter page.

Headteacher Sue Blair said: "We are trying hard to keep in contact with our 480 pupils.

"It just means that we can brighten up their day so they can feel connected to the school and part of the Pennine Way family.

"It's a unicorn and it loves biscuits and chocolate."

The unicorn has been making appearances on social media throughout the week.

On Thursday he made an appearance at a keep fit class - hammering home the importance of exercise.

On the same day he also romped home the winner in a race.