SCHOOLCHILDREN at Humshaugh First School were buzzing with excitement when beekeepers brought honeybees into their classroom.

But eight-year-old Imogen Ellis was especially thrilled to discover that the bees on display were exactly the same ones that had swarmed in her garden in Humshaugh a month earlier.

Ian Robinson, the beekeeper who collected the swarm, had settled them into one of his hives where they flourished.

His wife Sue is a governor at the school and when she asked Ian to help out with a special bee afternoon, he knew immediately which bees would be best in his observation hive.

Imogen showed her classmates a photo of the swarm and said: “When they settled just underneath my trampoline, it was amazing. Now it’s really exciting to see them again in school, with a big yellow dot on the queen.”

As well as being a school governor, Sue Robinson is also a keen beekeeper who manages Hexham Beekeepers Association apiary. She frequently gives talks in schools about beekeeping.

She said: “I love going into classes and this time was a big plus being able to show Imogen what happened to her swarm.

“The school kids are always absolutely fascinated and ask excellent questions. I’m delighted to see their faces lit up with immense enthusiasm and interest.”

During the afternoon, Humshaugh First School’s 35 pupils, aged from four to nine, tried on protective bee suits, handled beeswax comb, tasted honey and spotted the queen bee in the observation hive.

Science teacher Kirsty Carney explained that all the children had done work leading up to the special afternoon.

“Afternoons like this cover every aspect of the curriculum,” she said.