VOLUNTEERS are leading the first community-based archive project , exploring the 150-year history of a York primary school.

Lord Deramore’s School, is creating the archive as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Gateway to History project run by City of York Council’s libraries and archives service.

One of the oldest state primary schools in York which opened its doors in 1856, Lord Deramore’s has kept its own archive collection including minute books, log books and photographs.

Sheena Powley, head teacher, said: “We’re currently planning our curriculum for 2014-15 around the history of the school and the results of this research project will provide us with some fantastic new resources to be adapted for the classroom.

"It’s also a great opportunity for staff, children and the wider community to reflect on the long history of Lord Deramore’s in Heslington.

"A lot of people have a family connection to the school and we hope that this project encourages more people to come forward and share their memories.”

The volunteers are also planning to interview people in the local area – some families have been going to the school for generations. They will record their memories and add them to the school’s archive to give a more personal and contemporary perspective.

To get involved in the project go to http://www.york.gov.uk/info/200181/libraries_and_archives and on the City Archive blog at: http://citymakinghistory.wordpress.com/