CHILDREN in County Durham have been learning about history first hand as the copy of a famous book embarked on a tour of the county.

Pupils at Castleside Primary School, Castleside, Consett, were the first to see the facsimile copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Deputy headteacher Elizabeth Charlton said being able to see the manuscript put their lessons into context.

She said: "The children were extremely interested in the copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels and it was a great continuation of work we have been doing on illuminated letter writing." The Gospels are believed to have been produced around 715-720AD by Eadfrith, Bishop of Lindisfarne and are on display in the British Library in London.

An accurate copy is currently touring rural communities in County Durham before moving on to Northumbria in April.