PUPILS from Richmond CE Primary School were the first to undertake a new children’s trail at St Mary’s Church in the town devised by The Arts Society Wensleydale.

Teacher Lucy Hodges and 30 excited Year 4 explorers spent an hour researching, hunting and discussing answers to the quiz.

“I did not know there was anything under the seats but I really like the dancing pigs,” exclaimed one youngster on examining the choir stall misericords.

Adult helpers also discovered new aspects of the 12th century church, restored by the 19th century Gothic Revivalist Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Jackie Pope, from the society, said: "Education and conservation are important strands of our work and the children’s trail ticks both boxes. The more you know about something, the more likely you are to cherish it."

The morning ended with drinks and chocolate eggs. Children’s trail quiz sheets are available for everyone in St Mary's Church. For information about The Arts Society Wensleydale contact Ros Higson on 01765 635244 wensleydale@theartssociety.org.