GENERATIONS have come together to learn from each other as part of a new initiative in a South Lakeland primary school.

Year six pupils at Penny Bridge Academy have been interviewing local people as part of their oral history project.

Under the guidance of local media artist Tim Fleming they have chosen a selection of local older people and invited them into school to share memories of life in Penny Bridge and Greenodd when they were young.

Class teacher and school Deputy Head, Graham Carrick said: it had been 'excellent' for many different reasons.

"The children have had an opportunity to learn new practical skills such as using the recorders and also social skills as they have been working with members of the community," he said. "It has also given the children an appreciation of history and the importance of preserving memories."

The project has been made possible by the Rusland Horizons project, which aims to restore and enhance the landscape of the Rusland Valley and fells through its different projects.

Pupils have been fascinated by tales of old school days, including children gathering around the fire for stories with their teacher, free milk each morning, how much pocket money children in former days had and learning about the days before computers.

The children have been involved in all aspects of the project from interviewer, recording engineer and audio editor to carefully logging and documenting interviews.

Clare Dyson from Rusland Horizons said: “We are thrilled that the children have enjoyed interacting with local people in this way. It has been very special to listen and record older people’s experiences and understand the different way in which people lived in the Rusland area. It has enabled them a whole new depth of understanding of the people in the local landscape.”

Each story has been recorded and edited and will be available on the schools website and the Rusland Horizons website.

If you would like to get involved in any of Rusland Horizons projects or for more information please contact: Clare Dyson, community engagement officer on clare.dyson@lakedistrict.gov.uk or call 015395 31932.