A RAGS-TO-RICHES transformation is taking place in a North-East cathedral’s education centre.

It is thanks to the uptake of a traditional craft skill among secondary school pupils across the region.

Art students at six schools have contributed to an exhibition of rag rugs – either of the traditional hooky or proddy mat design.

They have gone on show in the Galilee Chapel at Durham Cathedral, as part of a wider project to regenerate a room in the cathedral’s education centre, called Cedric.

Once the exhibition concludes at the end of the month, the rag rugs will be laid across the floor of the centre’s newly-refurbished Island Room.

Cathedral chapter steward Anne Heywood said rag rugs are indigenous to the North- East, specifically to County Durham.

“It seemed to be the perfect way to introduce students to the art of rag rug making,” she said.

Ms Heywood said the Island Room is used by school groups.

As part of a full day of interactive activities, young visitors to Cedric discuss the life of St Cuthbert, the 7th Century Bishop of Lindisfarne, whose remains are at the cathedral.

Schools involved in the rug-making project are Acklam Grange, Middlesbrough; Churchill Community College, Wallsend; English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, Hartlepool; Wolsingham School and Community College, Wolsingham; Windlestone School, Chilton; and the Chorister School, Durham.

The exhibition will run in the Galilee Chapel until May 31.

For further details about Cedric and the cathedral’s education service, email education@durham cathedral.co.uk, or call 0191-386-4266, extension four.