PUPILS from Bradford Grammar School have taken part in a hands-on workshop on Ancient Egypt, preparing an artificial corpse for an ancient burial ceremony.

Year 5 pupils from the school took part in a range of activities, helping an Ancient Egyptian embalmer, played by actor Matthew Bellwood, a Leeds-based writer and storyteller.

Children took turns cleaning the corpse, removing organs, stuffing the body, replacing eyes, and carefully placing amulets between layers of bandages.

Pupils heard that to protect the body and spirit, magical spells from the book of the dead were read aloud, and the mummy was then placed in its coffin for the burial ceremony.

Kerry Howes, headmistress of Bradford Grammar Junior School, said: “Matthew is a master storyteller and certainly brought history to life for the pupils and staff.

"The workshop took us all back thousands of years. The fun the children have with visiting storytellers is plain to see. They are exhilarated and enthused. It’s is wonderful to see them so engrossed in their learning.”

Matthew Bellwood added: "The workshop is a practical, hands-on way for the children to learn about another culture and to explore the beliefs and traditions of people who lived thousands of years ago.

"The pupils at Bradford Grammar have been brilliant to work with - eager to join in and full of curiosity. I was really impressed with how much they already knew and how keen they were to learn more.

"It's great to see young people so enthused about history. I hope that the workshop has helped to support their understanding of this amazing culture and I'm sure that their energy and excitement will result in some brilliant responses back in the classroom."