There was to be no smiling and no speaking until spoken to during a day of unusual fun for Years 5 and 6 from Felsted Primary School.

The youngsters certainly had to be on their best behaviour when they were in the presence of royalty.

The classmates found themselves adhering to Victorian values on a very special train journey on Wednesday, October 7 as part of a learning day at Colne Valley Railway.

Dressed up in traditional costume, the children learned all about steam rail travel, as well as many other facts from the nineteenth century. They hadng lessons on a blackboard and behavied according to strict Victorian rules such as not smiling or talking out of place.

The children also enjoyed a Punch and Judy Show and even met Queen Victoria herself.

“Everyone had to dress up, even the staff,” said school secretary Jayne Turney.

“They had a brilliant day, they loved the trip.”