A GROUP of Ruislip schoolchildren experienced a different kind of interactive lesson – aboard a floating canal boat.

The electric-powered Elsdale Floating Classroom is part of the London Foundations project, a Heritage Lottery-funded programme that aims to bring to life London’s industrial past.

While travelling along the Grand Union, pupils from Ruislip Gardens Primary School learned about the former brickfields beside the canal and how the bricks were transported along it.

The youngsters, aged seven and eight, had the chance to dress in costume while learning about the role their contemporaries had in Victorian London.

They were surprised to hear about the terrible conditions children their own age experienced as they worked in the brickfields.

Project officer Dhush Selvaraiah said: “Working on the floating classroom is a really special experience, bringing alive stories which helped shape London in a way that children will remember and can interact with. It makes for an unforgettable day.”

Run by environmental charity Groundwork South, the four-hour trip on the floating classroom has already attracted use by other schools.

This is the second year of its three-year project, which will be completed in January 2016.

To arrange a school trip on the floating classroom, contact Groundwork South on 01895 270730.