SCHOOLCHILDREN helping to preserve time for future generations have handed over a time capsule to add to the fabric of an historic castle.

The 14th Century Hylton Castle, in Sunderland, is being restored and returned to community life, as part of a £4.5 million restoration project supported by Sunderland City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To help mark the beginning of the next phase to create a 21st century education and visitor centre in the remaining gatehouse and grounds, a time capsule was presented to the contractors to bury in the site as structural work begins.

Pupils from the Castle View Enterprise Academy, Hylton Castle Primary, Castletown Primary and Northern Saints Church of England Primary created digital content for the capsule.

It’s filled with images, films and photographs containing their highlights of 2017 and their aspirations for the future of the castle and surrounding local community.

|It was handed to Sunderland Mayor Councillor Doris MacKnight and presented on behalf of the city to the contractors William Birch & Sons Ltd.

Cllr MacKnight , who is also a local ward councillor and member of the Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene voluntary group who have campaigned for more than 20 years for the restoration.

He saidsaid: “This was a very special day for all of us, not just the Friends Groups but everyone who has grown up in this area with the castle as one of the best known historic landmarks.

“Everyone has a memory to share, and everyone hopefully shares our vision of returning the castle and grounds to the centre of community life as a visitor and education centre for future generations to enjoy.

“Hylton Castle has a very special place in this city and this region’s cultural heritage, and this community led project will help bring it back to life.”

Invited guests to the celebratory event included representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Sunderland City Council, the Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene, and members of local community and heritage groups from across the city