A Tudor lady in a face mask might not be strictly authentic, but one living history performer is doing her bit to make it look good.

Face coverings are now compulsory in museums and other attractions, so Karen Stone, from Taw Hill turned her costume-stitching talents towards tackling the problem.

As member of Past-Times Living History, she started to make masks for herself and the other performers that matched their historical garb.

The 48-year-old teaching assistant at St Francis C of E Primary School said: “I started making masks when it was suggested that it would become compulsory, about six weeks ago.

“I work as a teaching assistant as my day job, so I made masks for my colleagues at the school and family, as well as sending some to my son at the university of the West of England.

“I usually make historical costumes, my latest being the gold gown that will forever be known as the lockdown gown, as that’s when I had time to make it, so masks were quite easy.”

The group brings history back to life through shows in different locations.

They will perform for the first time since lockdown on August 23 at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire after all events were cancelled.

She added: “I estimate I’ve made more than 50 masks, including at least 15 for Past Times Living History – some plain white with logo and characters’ names, and some coloured to match gowns.

“It’s so quick to make the masks, I’ll keep making them for as long as it is needed.”

Berkeley Castle is operating with two sessions of a maximum of 300 visitors in the morning and 300 in the afternoon.

It has a one-way system in place and some of the rooms are closed.

Karen added: “I think the visitor experience will be just as good, and everyone can feel safe at a good to go site such as Berkeley Castle.

“It is very warm wearing a mask for great lengths of time, but there are lots of lovely places outside to chill out. We are also getting good at expressive eyes as the mouths aren’t visible for photos.”

Actor Elizabeth MacPherson founded the group four years ago and she has developed a Covid-19 protocol to ensure the visitors, staff and cast are safe.

She said: “We will be dispersing around the castle and grounds as we are providing entertainment as Henry VIII with right-hand man Thomas Cromwell, The Six Wives and Princess Elizabeth.

“We will help avoid people congregating and encourage social distancing. But will stage Socially distanced photo opportunities during both sessions.”