HISTORY and geography are being revived as major subjects for young pupils in Cheshire.

The county's LEA will set out a challenge to its primary schools to bring the humanities back into its classrooms with the introduction of a broader-based curriculum.

Over recent years, these subjects have taken a back seat to the Government's determination to improve national standards of numeracy and literacy.

Now 200 schools have accepted the challenge to probe different aspects of the county's history and geography in Cheshire's Young Peoples' Learning Journey.

It will start with the blast of a medieval hunting horn from the summit of Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire tomorrow.

Six months and one day later, the youngsters will gather at Tatton Park with their findings on projects ranging from Roman Cheshire to the salt industry, canals, great families, historic houses and the plague.

Director of Education David Cracknell said: "Concentration on English, maths and science has undoubtedly led to improvements in standards in those subjects. But we need as many routes into knowledge and self awareness as possible."