YOUNGSTERS have devised an innovative project to give users of a cycle trail an insight into the area's history.

Walkers and cyclists on the trail between between Bowburn, Cassop and Quarrington Hill will be able to use a map showing places of interest and listen to a CD of stories and sounds on the route.

Pupils at Cassop Primary School have been recording the memories of older villagers and recounting some of the area's stories.

Durham City Arts, which is behind the project, hopes to make use of the trail a more vivid experience.

Artist Beth Davidson, who is co-ordinating the project, said: "Normally people have maps to follow but they don't get their other senses used.

"On the CD there will be things like the sound of the pit wheels and the siren going off. I thought it would be a good way of showing how the area sounded.

"A lot of tourists come to Durham but bypass villages like these. If they pick up on the trail it could help to bring new people to the area.''

It is expected that the project will be ready for the summer and that the map and will be available from Durham Tourist Information Centre and in the villages.