A local charity has enabled local children to visit Rutland County Museum and learn more about Rutland and its history.

Over 1,000 primary school children have visited Rutland County Museum during the last year to learn about the history of the county and view the historic exhibits. Some Rutland schools have been unable to afford the cost of transport to Oakham, so the Friends of the Museum have paid for the cost of the bus trips.

Eight trips, totalling 209 children, have been supported in the past school year at a total cost of over £2,500.

Teachers of children who were supported by the Friends of the Museum organisation said:

"I just wanted to say again a huge thank you for this morning! The children loved it! Thank you so much for the work you did, it was a brilliant morning and a great way to start our topic!"

"Thank you so much for the trip for our oldest class this week. They came back buzzing, having learnt lots!"

"Thank you so much for our wonderful session at the museum this morning. It certainly helped to bring our History unit to life and got the children excited about the learning that is to come."

Schoolchildren enjoying a Roman workshop at Rutland County Museum. Image credit: Friends of the Museum.

Lawrence Fenelon, Chair of the Charity, Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle said "We consider this money very well spent in enabling more young children to see and learn about the fascinating exhibits displayed in our Museum."

The Friends support the development and activities of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle, raise funds for the purchase of new exhibits and promote the country's smallest county to residents and visitors.

They arrange lectures, visits, field trips and social events and offer the chance to assist the Museum and Castle and make new friends and connections.