HUNDREDS of schoolchildren found out about the lives of ancient monks at this year’s Lifepath event.

There were 785 children from 20 local schools taking part in activities at Malvern Priory.

Some 150 volunteers from 21 Malvern churches ran the activities, showing how the monks went about their daily lives of work and prayer.

They cooked and ate the types of meal the monks were used to, took part in handbell ringing and learned about the importance of bells in the routine of monastery life.

They also had the chance to learn about medieval medicines, have a go at brass rubbing and ancient tile decorating, and to become archaeologists, finding and identifying hidden treasures.

The aim behind the week-long event is to provide a day to explore Malvern’s Christian heritage by telling the story of the Benedictine monks who founded the Priory in 1085, almost 1,000 years ago.

For the first time in the 12-year history of Lifepath at the Priory, there is a community day on Saturday, June 29, from 10am to 3pm.

“Schools obviously can’t bring all the children and there have been many occasions in the past when children who have been before but are not included in the current Lifepath ask whether they can come separately from their school,” said organiser Rosamund Pontin.

‘So this year, for the first time, there is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to come along.

"We are holding the community day on the Saturday to give parents and children who feel they are missing out the chance to join us.

“All are welcome from people visiting Malvern to members of our community who have been wondering what is happening when they see so many monks around the Priory.

"They can stay as long as they want .

“All the activities will be going on within the Priory building and there will be refreshments.”