STAFF from a museum forced to close due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak have been bringing the past to life in schools.

Kilhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum in Weardale, was due to open this month, but is now closed until further notice, and all school visits have been cancelled.

Usually two or three schools visit the centre every week at this time of year, and staff did not want them to miss out.

Ian Forbes, museum manager, said: "Rather than disappoint the children, our staff are going into the schools to talk about Kilhope, take in artefacts and do role play with the children."

The touring exhibition visited Neville's Cross Primary School, in Durham, yesterday.

Staff dressed up in period costume and talked to the children about what life was like in a lead mine.

They also brought documents and artefacts, including lead samples, to help bring the past to life.

Some of the children tried on costumes and they learned traditional songs mineworkers used to sing.

Linda Johnstone, deputy head, said: "The afternoon really gave the children a chance to see what life would have been for adults and children working down a lead mine.

"They were given lots of leaflets about the museum to take away so hopefully it will encourage them to go along once it's open again."