Newport's Medieval Ship was the focus of attention at the Welsh Assembly at an exhibition explaining how high technology was being used to clean,preserve and record it.

The exhibition, mounted by Newport's Museums and Heritage Service and hosted by Newport West AM Rosemary Butler, also featured 21 children from Gaer Infants School who took part in a school workshop.

A growing number of local schools in the area are now taking part in an extended educational programme, which involves learning about the historical significance of the ship and re-enacting the period by dressing up in period clothes.

So far the Ship project has received £3.5m for the Welsh Assembly, £1.4m from Newport City Council and nearly £800,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Visitors to the exhibition saw how a hi-tech articulated arm was being used to record all 1700 timbers of the Ship on digital equipment, so that a virtual reconstruction can be achieved.

Assembly Finance Minister Sue Essex, John Griffiths AM for Newport East, Rosemary Butler and Councillor Ron Jones, Newport City Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation were among those present.

Tuesday, January 23