AT the beginning of July, some 225 year five children from the five Primary Schools in Guisborough came to the town’s St Nicholas Church in groups to take part in the "Open Door" programme.

"Open Door" has run for several years but had not taken place since the pandemic, so the many volunteers involved and particularly all the children were very excited. The children, from Belmont, Chaloner, Galley Hill, Highcliffe and St Paulinus schools, were welcomed and in groups toured the church, learning about the history of the building.

The stained-glass windows, font, chancel, Lady Chapel, de Brus Cenotaph, and bell tower were visited and the purpose of each area was explained to separate groups of children. There were many questions asked, and much interest was shown. They then learnt about many crafts and had already chosen the area in which they planned to work, with tasks including drawing chosen places within the church, embroidery, flower arranging, tile design, stained glass design, banner making, chalice making, calligraphy, brass rubbing, bell ringing and vestment design.

Gisborough Priory welcomed all children, staff and work experience students for their lunch break and so more history and experiences were chatted about. Every child present had their hand shape cut out of material and pasted on the current "Open Door" hanging banner, on the wall of church.

Finally, from 3pm to 6pm on the Friday. they were allowed to bring in parents, grandparents and carers to view their work on display, and more than 100 children brought in their loved ones. All their work was delivered to the individual schools on Monday, July 11 for display in their own school.