CHILDREN from a Hereford school were the first to use a unique, medieval model made by a local craftsman to aid historical knowledge.

Seventeen pupils, aged eight and nine, from St Francis Xavier Primary School visited Belmont Abbey to put together a medieval monks' dorter - a dormitory - designed by Newent craftsman David Salkeld, proprietor of Haven Crafts.

The medieval model is the latest in a range of resources that David, an economics graduate-turned craftsman, has made for the abbey's educational office.

Belmont Abbey, the second largest Benedictine monastery in the United Kingdom, now has over 100 educational resources for its annual 1,500-plus young visitors who come to study history, religion and art and to see a living monastery at prayer and work.

David's earlier works include a model of Belmont Abbey Church, Nine Men's Morris and Fox and Geese (two games played by medieval monks), monastic jigsaws of different sizes for children aged four to 12 and a 21st century monk's cell (study bedroom).

Fr James Norris, Belmont's educational visits co-ordinator, said: "The modern cell has been extremely successful in helping children to understand that nowadays in a monastery each monk has his own study bedroom.

"We decided to provide a contrast with medieval times when monks slept in a communal dormitory. Children learn how monastic life has changed over the centuries.

The education team researched the medieval dorter with the help of a monk from Douai Abbey, Berkshire, to ensure historical accuracy".

The contents of the dormitory were made by David's wife, Penny, a psychology graduate who works with him in the business.

After teaching English in Spain and Germany, David and Penny set up their business in 1982 without any formal training or qualifications. Educational toys and adult puzzles were their first enterprise.

David now works with an independent wholesaler of educational materials who supplies schools and brings back suggestions to him for new designs.

The Salkelds' business specialises in commissioned models for visitor and educational centres at sites of historical and architectural interest. Recent models include Gloucester and Canterbury Cathedrals and Walsingham Priory.