Students from schools across the region have been unearthing lost artefacts and historical secrets in a rural village.
More than 45 aspiring archaeologists took part in a two day archaeological dig organised by Access Cambridge Archaeology (ACA) at Blythburgh, near Southwold, earlier this week.
Year 8 and 9 youngsters – from Ormiston Denes Academy, Benjamin Britten Music Academy, Bungay High School, Sir John Leman High School and Hobart High School – could be seen excavating and analysing their historical finds in 13 trenches as part of the interactive and educational activity.
The sessions were conducted by Emily Ryley, from ACA, who said: 'I am really impressed with how they have worked together and how focussed they have been – also they have been showing their muscles by doing a lot of digging!
'We are really grateful for the welcome the people of Blythburgh have given us and I am really encouraged with how well the public and pupils have worked together and we look forward to returning again in years to come.'
RELATED LINK: Somerleyton pupils take a trip back in time with history workshops!Between April 26 and 27, the keen history hunters carried out enquiries at sites across the village in order to learn more of the past – discovering such items as medieval pottery and animal bones.
The hands-on event culminated with the youngsters visiting Cambridge University, on Friday (April 28), where they attended lectures regarding the evidence they discovered as well as learning more about university opportunities available to them.
Hobart High School student, Phoebe Ozanne, 13, said: 'It's just been a really fun thing to do and it has been nice to work with a good team, with people from other schools.
'We have found a medieval pot handle and a rabbit's jaw – it has been so interesting.'
The engaging sessions replicated the daily work of a real-life archaeologist and promoted vital skills such as teamwork, analysis of evidence and communication – with all students complying reports on their findings which will be graded and returned to them accompanied by constructive feedback.
For more information about Access Cambridge Archaeology visit www.access.arch.cam.ac.uk.
Do you have a story? Contact reporters by calling 01502 525 832.
MORE: Traditional event will carry on, say ruined priory's new owners
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here