A transport scheme will help more schools discover rural museums in County Durham.

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, Weardale Museum, Ireshopeburn, and Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, have teamed up to provide subsidised coach travel for visiting pupils.

Schools in the North-East and Cumbria will be able to access the scheme, which allows them to claim back some of the coach hire costs.

Durham County Council's schools development officer, Sarah Gouldsbrough, said: "A pilot project earlier this year funded by the Countryside Agency was a great success.

"Now the Countryside Agency has awarded a further grant to help with the travel costs of schools until March next year. The cost of transport is one of the biggest barriers to schools visiting our museums.

"We want to overcome that barrier and access inspirational learning opportunities on offer outside of the classrooms."

For details, call Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, on (01388) 537505; the Weardale Museum on (01388) 537417 or Bowes Museum on (01833) 694602

Published: 22/06/2004