A SERIES of local history books created for children by children has been launched.
The books have been written and illustrated by pupils at Montalbo Primary School as part of a history project exploring the interesting background to some of Teesdale’s most iconic buildings.
Children from all classes took part in the project with each year group concentrating on a specific building in Teesdale. Pupils from year two concentrated on The Bowes Museum, while students in year three selected Blagraves House, in Barnard Castle.
Children in year four studied and wrote about the town’s castle while pupils in year five looked at Egglestone Abbey and year six students penned a history of the Market Cross. Headteacher Chris Minikin, who is a keen amateur historian, came up with the idea and has been surprised by the children’s discoveries. He said: “All the children visited the different buildings and got to explore them fully.
All years selected a historic building and then visited them, searched archives and read up on the history.”
The books were designed and printed by Tim Baitson, of Print Display, who has ensured the typography is suitable for children with reading difficulties. Mr Baitson also designed a presentation case for the set, which will be available for sale at the school and in select shops in town.
Funding was provided by county councillors Richard Bell and Ted Henderson from their neighbourhood budgets.
Cllr Bell attended the book launch at the school and said he was impressed.
He added: “Although the books have been written by children for children there are a lot of facts in there that I didn’t know.”
Barnard Castle mayor Cllr John Blissett, also a governor of Montalbo School, says they will be “great” for families moving into the area.
The books are available from Montalbo School at £5 each or £20 for the set including the carry case.
