TEENAGERS enjoyed the glittering taste of an ancient craft, swapping the world of books for the world of the silversmith.
Craftsman Vincent Ashworth led a workshop for Year 10 pupils at Cundall Manor school, between Thirsk and Ripon, showing them how to make bracelets and salt cellars. A silversmith with more than 50 years' experience, Mr Ashworth usually teaches his art at a workshop at his home in Leppington.
He said: "There used to be a real silver industry in this country, but it has died out over time.
"I really enjoy teaching the children and seeing what they can do, and it may prompt one or two of them to take it further.
"I have run about ten workshops at Cundall Manor over the past year. I do not know of any other school that does this, and I think it is a real experience for the children."
Headteacher Peter Phillip said: "It is quite an unusual skill and we are delighted we can offer this to our students.
"It is a completely different skill to drawing or modelling, so it gives the children a chance to develop hidden abilities."
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