PUPILS from St Bartholomew’s Primary School, in Haslemere, were the first to follow a new children’s church trail, sponsored by The Arts Society Haslemere.

They were able to discover the secrets of St Bartholomew’s Church, as part of the organisation’s new project for branch members to design trails locally to encourage children aged eight to 12 to find out more about the art and history of their parish churches.

Last October, pupils from The Chandler Junior School, in Witley, discovered the secrets of All Saints Church, thanks to a new children’s trail designed by members of The Arts Society Shalford – devised by Angela Paterson, Virginia Morgan, Sara Scott and Rosey Skeffington.

Haslemere branch members Sue Davis and Jane Stopford devised the St Bart’s trail in the hope it will inspire children to explore the stories behind the people, animals and symbols represented in the church iconography and encourage them to visit more churches to view their treasures.

Mrs Stopford said: “Having completed the questionnaire, the children were presented with a certificate, recording their participation, before tucking into cake and refreshments in the Link.

“The question sheet is designed to investigate the architecture, history and furnishings in an interesting way.

“Many similar trails have already been completed all over the country, with a large number in Surrey, including one for St Christopher’s in Wey Hill a few years ago, and it is a joy for all to see the children’s curiosity in searching for an answer.

“The launch was attended by Haslemere Rector Mary Bowden, chairman Alison Marston, The Arts Society West Surrey chairman Caroline Coleman, and Haslemere Deputy Mayor David Round.”

•The Arts Society movement was known as National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) until last year.