Ref. 28014/2CHILDREN in Bratton have been looking on in fascination this week as a flurry of chirping chicks hatched before their eyes.

In a new venture for Bratton Primary School a grandparent brought in 40 eggs on Monday so that pupils could watch them hatch and record their first few days.

The newborn chicks leave the school at the end of today, but in their short time on the premises they have caused quite a stir in the village.

The eggs were placed in an incubator in the Year 2 classroom and by home time on Wednesday 30 chicks had broken free of their shells.

Year 2 teacher and science co-ordinator Elli Moore said the chicks had proved a very popular attraction at the school and were a chance to see biology in action.

She said: "All the children in the year group have watched at least one chick hatch.

"They've been keeping a diary over the week and write a little check up about how the chicks have changed.

"We've also been taking pictures every day to record their growth

"There have been lots of parents coming in to look at the end of the day after their children told them what's going on.

"I've never done this at the school before, but it has certainly been a great success."