The largest fossilised remains of a prehistoric ‘sea dragon’ have been found in the UK.
Scientists called the ichthyosaur discovery “unprecedented”, “highly significant” and one of Britain’s “greatest finds”.
The 180-million-year-old creature, with a skeleton 10 metres long and a skull weighing about one tonne, is the largest and most complete ichthyosaur fossil to be found in the country.
The ichthyosaur, also known as the sea dragon, was discovered on a lagoon island in Rutland, East Midlands.
“Despite the many ichthyosaur fossils found in Britain, it is remarkable to think that the Rutland ichthyosaur is the largest skeleton ever found in the UK,” palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax said.
“It is a truly unprecedented discovery and one of the greatest finds in British palaeontological history.”
The first ichthyosaurs were found by fossil hunter Mary Anning in the early 19th century and called sea dragons because of their large teeth and eyes.
Joe Davis, of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, found the fossil while draining a lagoon island in February 2021.
Dr Mark Evans, of the British Antarctic Survey, said: “I've been studying the Jurassic fossil reptiles of Rutland and Leicestershire for over 20 years.
“When I first saw the initial exposure of the specimen with Joe Davis I could tell that it was the largest ichthyosaur known from either county.
“However, it was only after our exploratory dig that we realised that it was practically complete to the tip of the tail.
“It's a highly significant discovery both nationally and internationally but also of huge importance to the people of Rutland and the surrounding area.”
The marine reptiles first appeared about 250 million years ago and became extinct 90 million years ago.
They vary in length from one to more than 25 metres and resemble dolphins in body shape.
The remains were dug out by a team of expert palaeontologists from around the UK in August and September.
“It's not often you are responsible for safely lifting a very important but very fragile fossil weighing that much,” specialist palaeontological conservator Nigel Larkin said.
“It is a responsibility but I love a challenge. It was a very complex operation to uncover, record and collect this important specimen safely.”
Two incomplete and much smaller ichthyosaurs were found during the initial construction of Rutland Water in the 1970s. The 2021 discovery is the first complete skeleton found.
The excavation of the remains will feature on BBC Two's Digging For Britain on Tuesday at 8pm.
New dinosaur species discovered
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
