COUNTY: CHILDREN at a trio of primary schools were treated to a visit by the legendary wizard Merlin.

The famous character, also known as Robin Sharples, visited Broadwas, Martley and Lindridge CE primary schools to share a mixture of mediaeval stories along with music on the harp and guitar.

Pupils were treated to tales about one of King Arthur's knights, Sir Gawain, and spent time in workshops studying aspects of mediaeval life including maps, knights and the agricultural year, as well as learning a specially-written song.

Mr Sharples is also working alongside local churches and groups of volunteers to develop material for storyboxes that will go into six local churches - Cotheridge, Broadwas, Martley, Shelsley Walsh, Stockton-on-Teme and Lindridge - next June. The boxes, which will be in specially-designed listening posts, introduce the story of churches and parishes over the centuries and are part of the Stories From The Stones pilot project organised by the Go West Teme Valley Project and funded by the National Lottery Fund.

The three primary schools involved have also been invited to work with Kevin Crossley-Holland's book Arthur: The Seeing Stone to help bring the period to life, with help from student teachers from the University of Worcester.

The book, set near the river Teme at the time of King John's accession, tells the tale of a young lad called Arthur (not King Arthur) and the mysterious Merlin who lives in his village.

Through Merlin's visits the children will be encouraged to appreciate the reality of mediaeval life and to ask challenging questions about such matters as relationships and personal development.

The children will have another visit from Merlin during the summer when he will invite them to a special day at Worcester Cathedral in July 2007.