A HUGE photo mosaic tracing the history of schools across the Yorkshire Dales and the children who went to them is being unveiled as part of an exhibition marking the reopening of the Dales Countryside Museum.

It was due to be launched six months ago but had to be postponed because of the lockdown. The 16 foot long mural is made up of 2,300 photo tiles depicting school life in Upper Wensleydale, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale dating back to the 1930's.

Project Manager Emily Rowe Rawlence said: "Once we began delving into the history of The National School Hawes, (NASH) we realised the landscape was peppered with little schools that played transformative roles, all with their own story to tell. This exhibition maps them out and explores themes such as the changing journey to school, the tension between learning and earning and the life of teachers, bus drivers and school attendance officers known as 'Kiddy Catchers'. It’s amazing how much energy and effort goes into the making of a school."

As part of the exhibition there are interviews with well known local people who attended the schools and There a programme for local schools run by Education Officer Heather Hodgson and teacher-actor Mark Cronfield, who will be in the character of a Victorian Headmaster.

The exhibition will run from May 17 to July 18.