Year five and six children at Fylingdales Primary School devised the trail, which tells the story of Robin Hood’s Bay’s smuggling past, as part of their narrative writing unit earlier this year.

Now, the booklets containing the information for visitors and locals alike to take part in the trail have been published, and already, the young trailblazers have guided a primary school all the way from Wolverhampton around the historic streets and hidden passages.

The smugglers trail was the product of a creative writing project coordinated by Chirs Corbett, local learning officer for the National Trust, and was funded by a donation made to the Old Coastguard Station, a visitor and eduction centre run by the National Trust.

The pupils and their teacher, Jean Hutt were visited by local historian Maggie Burchill, who, dressed up for the occasion in traditional clothing of the time period, brought along a selection of smuggling stories from the fishing village’s past.

Based on this information, the youngsters created their own stories to accompany the trail, containing facts about the true illegal goings-on and the risks taken by local villagers.

People taking part in the trail will be led along the tiny passages hidden away behind the pretty cottages in the old village as they collect letters in order to ‘foil the smugglers plans’.

The trail will run throughout the summer holidays, beginning at the Old Coastguard Station in the dock at the bottom of the old village.

All money raised will be split between the school and the Old Coastguard Station.

Year five and six teacher, Mrs Hutt said: “The children really, really enjoyed writing the trail.

“It made a huge improvement in their writing skills, and they were really motivated to do the work, really inspired.

“It really was a worthwhile task.”

Chris Corbett of the National Trust added: “The trail owes much to the enthusiasm and energy of class three and their teacher Mrs Hutt, and local historian Maggie Burchill.

“In addition, valuable contributions were made by local artist Jo Witney and Jim Foster of Bayfair publications.

“I hope everyone enjoys following the trail and finding out about this intriguing chapter in the story of the old village.”

Booklets and accompanying maps are available for purchase at the Old Coastguard Station between 10am and 3pm daily until the beginning of September.