HISTORY lessons took on a new dimension for youngsters at West Luttons Community School near Malton when they re-enacted a medieval banquet.

The children added to the authenticity of the occasion by dressing in Tudor outfits made by the school's nursery assistant, Anne Hayes, and parents.

Head teacher Tracey Gilbank said: "We are bringing history to life. The children have been studying the Tudors as part of their history project and enabling them to live the part will hopefully give them a keen interest in history at secondary school."

She added: "It's fun and it's vibrant."

Some 22 out of the school's 35 pupils were involved in the project, which is to continue with the children being taken to Ryedale Folk Museum where they will play the traditional Tudor game of Merrills. Later, they will be mixing remedies used to combat the plague.

Dave Blacker, the school's music specialist, created medieval dances and music for the children as part of their lessons dealing with Henry V111 and the Tudors.

The children will shortly be tackling a production of Macbeth, said Mrs Gilbank, adding: "We always aim to bring lessons to life and I'm sure the children take a greater interest in the subjects."

Updated: 12:31 Thursday, March 21, 2002