FORDINGBRIDGE Museum had more than 60 visitors in two hours last Friday when Year 6 pupils from Western Downland Primary School took over the running of the venue.

Museum chairman Philippa Duckworth said: “We wanted to make museums more welcoming and attractive for young people, and this event has certainly done that.

“The pupils had prepared extremely well by researching the contents of the museum and so were very confident when they showed the visiting public round. We were all very impressed by their knowledge and enthusiasm.”

Abbie Guymer, assistant headteacher at Western Downland School, said: “The children loved finding out about the history of their local area and learned all sorts of skills by being in charge and talking to the visitors.

“They enjoyed themselves so much that they were reluctant to leave when the time came.”

The next time the museum will be open is for late night shopping in Fordingbridge on Friday, December 7, when there will be activities for children and lots to see for adults.