PUPILS from a village school helped to run one of the region's major museums during a special event.

As part of the Kids in Museums charity's national takeover day, eight youngsters, from Woodland Primary School, near Barnard Castle, helped out at The Bowes Museum.

Split into groups, the pupils, together with teacher Lynda Bentley, enjoyed working in the conservation and finance departments and taking part in a Dragon's Den ideas session with museum staff.

One pupil, Hannah Teasdale, learned about the museum’s unique Silver Swan musical automaton from principal keeper, Jane Whittaker, before pushing the button to commence its daily performance in full view of visitors, earning a round of applause for her efforts.

“I loved looking around the museum, especially the staff only areas, but my favourite part was finding out about the Silver Swan,” said Hannah.

National takeover day was held to celebrate children and young people’s contribution to museums, galleries and historic homes.

Amy Bainbridge, the Bowes Museum's education co-ordinator, said: “As a result the pupils are going to come back to help create child friendly labels for the painting galleries, looking at themes which particularly appeal to children.”