BUDDING fossil enthusiasts will be able to get their teeth into a dinosaur study project when a model of one of world’s best preserved T-Rex skulls arrives.

The 65 million-year-old specimen originated in Montana, in the United States and was excavated in 2010.

It is one of a select group of skulls from the Upper Cretaceous period which still has a complete set of teeth, and the model is to go on show to pupils aged three to 16 at Cranford House school in Moulsford, near Wallingford.

It will be unveiled on Wednesday, November 2 to launch a week of dinosaur-themed lessons and projects for pupils.

However, eight year-old Malcolm Monet, pictured, from Cholsey, was given a sneak preview.

Headmaster James Raymond said: "The size of the fossil is phenomenal. There are more than 60 thick, conical, bone-crunching teeth that are up to nine inches long, and its jaws are about four feet long."

"The T-Rex has already been named Tristan Otto, and we are extremely grateful to a generous benefactor who donated it to us after a four-year restoration programme.

"Most children only get to experience a dinosaur either on screen or through a visit to the museum but our pupils will have it on permanent display throughout the year."

Since 1902, about 50 T-Rex specimens have been unearthed. Tristan Otto's recovery and preservation took four years. Its fossilised skeleton is currently being studied by a team of scientists at the Museum für Naturkunde, in Berlin.

Cranford House is an independent school for girls and boys aged three to 16.

It is opening its doors to all families on Saturday, November 5 from 10am-noon so they can see the model.

For further information visit cranfordhouse.net