The education department at Mansfield Museum has celebrated its ninth anniversary of helping thousands of youngsters year.

Its programme of school visits began in early 1995 and consisted of a choice of two topics. Now, teachers have a range of 16 separate to browse.

The latest addition is a re-vamped local history day. Made In Mansfield links closely to the museum’s recently-opened and industrial gallery, which features the wealth of manufactured products for which the town was once renowned.

Pictured are pupils Mansfield’s Intake Farm Primary School who became the first to enjoy the new day-long set of activities.

They are pictured dressed in the workwear provided to help create an enhanced sense of involvement for pupils as they explore Mansfield’s rich manufacturing heritage.

All of the museum’s primary school-geared days feature lively activities accessible to every child, allowing pupils to explore the galleries and stores and to handle artefacts under the leadership of education officer Geoff Liptrot.

This local resource has proved extremely popular with teachers and pupils from schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for almost a decade.

More than 100 schools have brought almost 35,000 children on more than 1,100 whole-day trips, with many returning year after year.