Children help to create history book on Paignton

The book is not for sale to the public, but is being distributed to local schools, as well as the town's library and museum

Devon schoolchildren are celebrating the launch of a new history book they helped to produce.

Pupils at Paignton's Oldway Primary School advised local historians about how to make the book - Paignton - Our Home Town - more child-friendly.

Karen Chapman, from the Paignton Heritage Society, came up with the idea for the book and said she was keen to get local children involved.

Teachers said the "fantastic" children enjoyed working "with people from a different generation" and being part of a something "which could be a legacy".

Karen Chapman was keen to get local children involved in the making of the book

Ms Chapman said: "I'm Paignton-born, Paignton-bred and I just love the place.

"I just wanted to pass that on to another generation, so, when I'm in my box underground, someone else will be taking Paignton forward and cherishing the place."

Teacher Nick Harman said: "The kids were fantastic. They were always excited, sometimes a little over-excited.

"They have really enjoyed getting to work with people from a different generation, they have enjoyed the opportunity of feeding into something which could be a legacy they are leaving behind for the future."

The book is not for sale to the public, but is being distributed to local schools, as well as the town's library and museum.

'Exciting and difficult'

Amelia, 10, said: "I have learnt that it takes a lot of time to write a book. I didn't realise it would take over a year to make a book, but I'm glad that we have finished it now."

Senna, 11, said: "I think it's amazing that students and older people can work together to create a book."

Bessie, 10, said: "It wasn't as I imagined it would be. I did it because I'm interested in history and reading. It was really fun."

Reuben, 11, said: "If I had to use three words I would say exciting, difficult and quite rewarding."

The project was made possible through funding from the Local Heritage Grant Scheme, supported by Torbay Council, Torbay Culture, and the English Riviera Unesco Global Geopark, with investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.