THE history of Hereford’s old livestock market is being celebrated in a new exhibition of artwork by local school children.

The exhibition, at St Peter’s Church in Hereford, will display the creative artwork of pupils as part of the Chewing the Cud project – a reminiscence, film and education initiative which celebrates the old market.

Teachers from eight participating schools attended a training day where they were introduced to a glass plate negative from the camera of renowned local businessman, photographer and beekeeper Alfred Watkins.

They explored the different aspects of the photo with staff from Herefordshire Council’s museum service to allow them to deliver a creative art experience for students.

Sarah Watkins, Sutton Primary Academy class teacher, said: "We have gained great benefits from taking part in Chewing the Cud. The pupils had the opportunity to visit the Museum Resource and Learning Centre and see historical artefacts and I have been able to take part in high quality teacher training.

"The parents are looking forward to seeing their children's artwork on public display at St Peter’s Church."

Pupils used the Take One learning tool, based on the National Gallery’s Take One Picture, which enabled them to explore learning avenues including those outside the classroom.

Visits were made to local working farms, the new livestock market, the council’s Museum Resource and Learning Centre and the the Courtyard.

Siriol Collins, Herefordshire Council’s museum learning officer, said: “The Alfred Watkins photo has inspired many different creative explorations by children of markets, farming and photography. “We’re delighted that the Chewing the Cud project has enabled children to really explore our county’s agricultural heritage.”

The exhibition is on show at St Peter’s Church from Saturday June 21 to Saturday July 5 from 10am to 5pm every Monday to Saturday.

To find out more visit chewingthecud.net or facebook.com/chewingthecudhereford