MORE than 1,200 children have been getting hands on with history through a series of workshops that takes the story of the Durham Light Infantry into schools.

Learning officers are continuing to teach young people about topics ranging from art and poetry in the First World War to the real life experiences of soldiers and their families.

Cllr Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, arts and culture, said: “As part of our efforts to bring the DLI story to the wide audience it deserves, we have made a commitment to fund education officers so that the history and heroism of the regiment can be taken into schools.

“It is great to see children having the opportunity to get hands on with our heritage, and I hope many teachers will take the chance to work with our team to help teach young people about the First and Second World Wars.”

Year five and year six pupils from Neville’s Cross Primary School visited the North-East Religious Learning Resource Centre in Durham for a hands on session, which explored the impact of the First World War on families and communities through the experiences of six of the county’s people.

Learning support officer Carolyn Waterworth said: “The Durhams’ Duties workshop was a great opportunity for the children to discover how the wars had an effect on the people of the NorthEast, with the chance to handle genuine historical artefacts, and learn through discussion and role play.”

The learning team can offer a range of sessions, for community groups, with bespoke classes and assemblies, half day and full day workshops.

Durham County Record Office also holds First World War workshops, and from April will be helping Witton Park villagers to research the names on their war memorial.

For more information on the learning team, email dlicollection enquiries@durham.gov.uk or visit the website durhamrecordoffice.org.uk