THE legend of Robin Hood is inspiring the next generation of classroom heroes.

While the story of Robin Hood is entertaining families over the festive period at the Octagon — the English folklore figure is helping to develop new role models — and excite children about the past.

Bolton’s Playing for Success scheme, which enriches learning in the classroom through fun activities, used the theatre’s Christmas production for their latest project “Quest for a Hero”.

Not only was the Robin Hood theme linked to literacy, history and ICT, it was used to inspire young people to become role models for other children in providing a helping hand.

A group of boys at Chorley New Road School in Horwich took part in the project.

They travelled to Skipton Castle where they discovered the art of calligraphy and tasted medieval food and listened to the music of the era.

Neil West, assistant manager at Playing for Success, said: “This was a literacy project inspired by the legend of Robin Hood.

"We wanted a role model which would inspire boys at primary school.

"We involved boys from key stage one and two so they got to know each other with the older boys becoming role models to the younger ones and helping them.

“The boys were very enthusiastic about the project and very motivated, they were always asking what we going to do next.”

The activities sparked their imagination and enthusiasm for history, writing and technology.

He added: “We began by taking all the children to Skipton Castle to get them excited about learning about medieval life.

“Over the next 12 weeks, the children learned about the legends of Robin Hood, explored medieval food and music including organising their own medieval banquet, they created tapestries and shields adorned with their own coat of arms. They also developed their literacy skills and tried horse riding and archery.”

Through iPads, storytelling and games — including finding the dragon using word clues — based on the theme, the children enhanced their literacy and other classroom skills.

Mr West said: “By the end of the project, I saw a big increase in the boys’ confidence, they had become more confident writers.”

And pupils gave the scheme a big thumbs up.

Jacob Jarzabek, aged five, said: “I enjoyed making a film on the computer about Robin Hood.”

Oscar Marsh, aged five, added: “It was fun using swords to make letter shapes.”

Cameron Kelly, aged six, said: “I enjoyed seeing the dragon that lived inside the castle.”

Alan Stepniak, aged nine, said: “I learned that Robin Hood was very good at archery, I had a go and always hit the target.”

Daniel Evans, aged nine, added: “I enjoyed going to Skipton Castle, especially the dungeons. I felt petrified when they turned the lights out!”