A TEAM of young archaeologists are learning more about unearthing artefacts through a unique trench in the grounds of their school.

Persimmon Homes Yorkshire has dug a trench in fields at Athelstan Community Primary School, in Sherburn in Elmet, as part of the school’s history project.

Artefacts have been buried in the pit to allow the pupils to make discoveries and understand the significance of archaeology.

Teacher James Tucker said: "This is a new and exciting project for all of the key stage two pupils and we are very grateful to the Persimmon team for their time in helping to make it possible.

"By creating our own dig the children will gain a clear understanding of what archaeology is all about.

"It’s a very hands-on project as the children will need to dig and sieve soil, searching for their special finds. Each item will need to be carefully washed before being identified, categorised and catalogued, just as a professional archaeologist would need to do."