DURHAM Cathedral may have been a seat of learning for centuries, but now children have created a new outdoor classroom at the ancient shrine.

Pupils from Gilesgate Primary School, Durham City, have helped sculptor David Gross make seats and benches near Prebends Bridge, on the cathedral’s riverbanks.

Billy Mavin, ten, said: “It was really good fun.”

Headteacher Mark Turner added: “Coming to the cathedral is exciting for the children and getting to take part in outdoor education sessions is very important.

“I hope that our pupils will come down to the riverbanks for years to come and sit with their own children on the benches that they helped carve.”