VIKINGS will be invading two York primary schools – but pupils have nothing to fear.

The Ebor Academy Alliance, which comprises Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy and Haxby Road Primary School, has agreed a deal with The Jorvik Group of attractions, the organisation behind the city’s viking ventre.

The agreement, which involves the alliance and the Jorvik Group working together and learning from each other for the benefit of the children, was unveiled at DIG in St Saviourgate.

To mark the occasion, Viking Frekkie Forkbeard welcomed children with artefacts discovered in York dating back centuries.

The partnership means The Jorvik Group can work closely with the schools to trial and develop educational materials.

The arrangment will also an artefacts training session carried out with teaching staff, who will be given access to newly created education resources on an archaeological theme.

It follows last week’s announcement, featured in The Press, which revealed both schools had opted out of local authority control.

Robert Wilkinson is now an academy and Haxby Road – which is sponsored by Robert Wilkinson as part of the Ebor Academy Alliance – will become independent on February 1.

Executive head teacher Richard Ludlow said: “This is an exciting opportunity for two pioneering organisations to engage in educational collaboration in York.

“We are a forward looking organisation keen to foster local links for the benefit of children and the pursuit of excellence.”

Dr Chris Tuckley, head of interpretation at the Jorvik Group said: “We look forward to working with the children, and feel sure that this new partnership will open up a wealth of new learning opportunities for teachers, pupils and Jorvik Group alike.”