A GANG of hoodies stormed a North castle as their mission to make it more accessible to peers got underway.

The Heritage Hunters youth group took a tour of Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, to start learning about its 900 year history.

They will work with staff at Auckland Castle and hope to influence how the site is developed so more children and families visit and get involved in plans to turn it into a major heritage site and tourist attraction.

In December, Investing in Children scooped £28,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s young roots scheme for the initiative.

Robert Johnson, a project officer with Investing in Children, said: “It aims to engage young people, to develop their skills.

“The group is so diverse and full of good kids with bags of enthusiasm and great ideas, they are off and pacing now and the project is full of possibility.

“They hope they can be part of all of the plans, they have vision and drive and offer a different perspective than adults can.

“Young people have a voice and want it to be heard, they have an opportunity here to be active citizens and do something for their generation.”

Already the team of secondary school-aged youngsters is brimming with ideas and has spawned a Mini Heritage Hunters group for younger children.

They plan to train as tour guides for visitors and to host fun days and use sports, cooking, art and drama to entice people to the castle and bring its history to life.

Siblings Savannah and John Robinson, who attend Bishop Barrington School, knew the castle and its park were near the town’s market place but found it too intimidating to explore.

Savannah, 15, said: “It used to be daunting but from the first time I came in I thought it would be canny good to get involved and help attract more people.”

“I’ve found out more about its history already, there is so much more to learn and to do in future,” added John, 14.

Natasha Brown, 15, a pupil at King James I Academy, said: “I’m proud we have this in Bishop and I’m excited about the fun activities we have planned and the prospects.”

Philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer paid £15m to secure the future of Auckland Castle and its Zurbaran paintings in 2012 and the Auckland Castle Trust has been using initial funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to start its development.

The project will see the site restored and extended house two exhibitions of international stature and to provide facilities for visitors.