More than 100 students at a South Devon school were treated to a special performance from a master harper as he showcased a replica of the world's oldest stringed instrument.

Pupils and staff at Rudolf Steiner School in Totnes were among the first in the region to catch a glimpse of a beautiful replica of the 4,500-year-old Gold Lyre of Ur, which was discovered by archaeologists in a royal Mesopotamian tomb in 1929.

In a costumed performance, harper Andy Lowings gave a recital of haunting music while Jennifer Sturdy recited ancient Sumerian poetry.

Kate Howard, music teacher at the school, said: "The children enjoyed the performance greatly. There was complete silence in the room at one point as Jennifer read a poem – they were all enthralled."

The lyre, which took three years to replicate, was the earliest stringed instrument ever found and even pre-dates the construction of the Great Pyramid and Stonehenge.

Mr Lowings said: "The story of the lyre is fascinating. Archaeologists discovered it in royal graves in the city of Ur during excavations in Iraq. What was uncovered was the poignant scene of a mass suicide – among it the gold lyre."