SCHOOL children have been blazing a trail through Allendale in search of its historic treasures.

Allendale Primary’s Year Six pupils mapped out a route through the village, charting sites of historic and special interest.

It is hoped this trail can be reproduced as a booklet and online for both local residents and visitors alike, to help them learn about the village.

The project was organised by school governors and Allendale parish councillors Valeria Dunn and Geoff Lee.

Speaking at the latest parish council meeting, Coun. Dunn said the project had helped the children appreciate and learn more about the surrounding area.

“It’s amazing how little the children knew about their locality. There’s so much on the curriculum now-a-days so your own locality gets pushed out,” she explained.

“They did all this research themselves - went out to investigate; took photographs; identified the places of interest; and produced the trail.”

The trail starts at Isaac’s Well opposite the main square and follows a route around the conservation area, taking in locations such as Arniston Terrace, Wentworth Place, Peth Head and the market place, before returning to the well.

At each location a different historic feature has been photographed and researched by the children for inclusion in the booklet.

The youngsters also hope to include a brief history of the village, together with a list of local amenities and quiz questions.

A map of the trail and a draft of the booklet have already been designed by the class.

Pupils Lillie Weatherson, Luke Philipson and Matthew Pringle have been keeping the parish council up-to-date with the project, in the hopes of securing support and funding towards covering the costs of production.

Councillors agreed to lend their support and suggested that, should the project be successful, there may be scope for similar trails in Catton and Allenheads.