Pupils take over at Northumberland visitor attraction

The pupils from Alnwick's St Michael’s C of E First School assumed key roles at The Alnwick Garden. These were within the operations, admissions, marketing and charities departments. The students' responsibilities included welcoming visitors, planning events, drafting fund-raising ideas and designing literature, all of which the public have been able to view as pupils publish the day’s activities in real time on The Garden’s own Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

It came as part of Takeover Day, which celebrates young people’s contributions to museums, galleries and attractions. The initiative aims to put children and young people into decision-making positions and encourages organisations to consider their views and benefit from a fresh perspective about their work.

Toni Dunn, education project supervisor at The Garden, said: "St Michael’s schoolchildren were very excited to be handed the reigns to The Alnwick Garden and we enjoyed seeing the different ways they approach the work we do on a daily basis. Hopefully we can learn as much from them as they can from us."

Last year, Takeover Day involved 44,000 children who took control of more than 1,200 organisations.