PUPILS have transformed a bare yard into a miniature monastic herb garden at Durham Cathedral.

Youngsters from Shincliffe Church of England Primary School, in Durham, planted sage, parsley and rosemary, similar to those used by medieval monks for medicinal purposes.

It was part of a pilgrimage to the cathedral's education resource centre, which is built on the site of a monastic infirmary.

The aim of the garden is to enhance the educational activities at the cathedral, especially regarding the life of the monks.

Children will be able to smell, and taste the herbs which the monks used in their remedies.

Deputy headteacher Alan Jackson said: "The children really enjoyed the day and will be able to go back to it to see how it has grown. I hope they will return with their parents so they can show them what they have learnt.

"It is nice for the children to have something like Durham Cathedral on their doorstep because it really is something special."