NEWPORT children, some of whom are pictured, turned back the clock on Saturday to the time of the historic Chartist Uprising.

Pupils from six schools marched down Stow Hill chanting the demands of the Chartists.

When they reached Westgate Square they joined Chance Encounter theatre group and soldiers from the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery to re-enact events of 1839. One onlooker described the event, which was staged as part of Newport's bid for city status, as "superb".

Val Williams, of Chance Encounter, which specialises in historical re-enactments, helped children from Rogerstone Primary, St Mary's RC Primary, Duffryn Junior, Alway Junior, St David's RC Primary and St Julian's Infants, to prepare for the occasion.

Ben Hoppe, chairman of engineering firm Rowecord and of Newport's city status committee, said: "We take it for granted that we have voting rights, secret ballots, and wages for MPs.

"These were the demands made by the Chartists here in Newport, for which local people gave their lives.

"The Chartist Uprising is an important and significant part of local history and we believe that it helps to strengthen our case to be made a city."

* A copy of Newport's bid for city status can be found at www.newport.gov.uk/city