HISTORY came to life for 33 students of Park Gate County Primary School when they strolled the decks of the P&O luxury liner Aurora to chart the company's passage through time.

Teacher Sheena Briscoe said: "It's really been highlighting P&O's history with India and we're covering that this term so it ties in very well."

"Also because it's a once in a lifetime experience. I don't know if the children realise how lucky they are, some people never get the chance to do this."

Life on the open seas has changed dramatically since P&O's first foray into India, back in the early 1840s, as the pupils discovered while touring the Aurora's hi-tech deck.

Liam Purdy, 11, said: "It's cool because there's loads of new stuff, modern stuff."

Classmate Chris Greenfield said he had seen the ship once before and was impressed.

"It's really good. There's an arcade, night club and kids area with games and a big TV."

But mum and dad beware, apart from an insight into the Aurora and P&O's history, the kids now have a new benchmark for their next holiday. Bon voyage.