YOUNGSTERS have been getting creative ahead of celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Thirsk-based charity Rural Arts has held a week of workshops for families to design their own family crest or beast on flags to highlight the historic event, which are being displayed outside the Courthouse.

Sue Dalton, outreach project manager at Rural Arts said lots of children had flexed their creative muscles over the May half-term holiday.

“The workshops were based on our small exhibition and gave the children the chance to design their own pennant flags based on the Book of Beasts.

“We have been working with all the local schools, including Topcliffe Primary School whose pupils are working on a large banner for their local church.”

The workshops are building to the town’s Rotary club festival at Thirsk Racecourse on June 13, which will mark Baron William de Mowbray of Thirsk being among the 24 barons who signed the charter.

The event will include a medieval warfare re-enactment, shows on contemporary fashion, surgery and justice, falconry displays, coin-making workshops, archery and other entertainments, such as medieval music, jugglers and jesters, alongside stalls for trade, craft and voluntary groups. Tickets for the festival are available from Thirsk Tourist Information Centre.