PUPILS from a Newport school took a step back in time when they dressed in Victorian costume to help launch a new local history pack for schools.

The pack, believed to be one of the first of its kind in Wales, is being piloted at St Joseph's RC Primary, where pupils have been using it to discover what Newport was like in the 19th century.

It is launched at what could be a significant time as Newport bids for city status, a bid backed by the South Wales Argus.

Ben Hoppe, chairman of the city status bid committee, said: "Newport's long and significant history is an important part of our bid for city status. It is a history that we are all very proud of.

"That Newport is one of the first LEAs to introduce a local history pack demonstrates how important it is to the town.

"We very much hope that 2002 will be known to future generations of children as the year Newport was honoured and awarded city status."

The pack has been introduced to help all Key Stage Two teachers in Newport schools deliver local history lessons which are compulsory under the national curriculum. It contains a comprehensive teachers' guide to the growth and development of the town, plus a number of activity sheets.

Brenda Bispham, head teacher at St Joseph's, said: "Local history has always proved difficult for teachers to plan as textbooks and published resources are scarce and the subject requires a good deal of local history knowledge.

"Many schools do not have anyone on their staff with expert knowledge, so the pack will help as it contains a programme of work supported by information on historical sources and a video for teachers, explaining how to deliver the course."

*PICTURED: Libby Cashman, Clare Edwards and Jessica Graham.