Students at Thorpe House Langley Prep School have taken part in an archaeological dig.

Using trowels, brushes, a metal detector and shovels, the pupils were given an insight into archaeology, thanks to the Norfolk Archaeological Unit.

The school, in Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, approached the unit about the possibility of doing the dig after many of the children became interested in archaeology through their history lessons.

Archaeologist Lilly Hodges helped mark out test pits at the school, with four KS2 children at a time given the opportunity to dig.

Sue Cole, subject leader for history at the school, said: 'I think what has been so amazing is that the excitement and eager anticipation which spread throughout the school and the dedicated digging of all of the pupils.

'Lilly was brilliant with the children and talked to them, first, about the job of an archaeologist and then introduced them to the tools that they would be using, over the course of the week.'

She added: 'Every child was actively involved and many children found items of great interest, ranging from pieces of Victorian plate, patterned clay pipe, shell and most exciting of all, pieces of Roman storage jar and Roman dish, dating back to 2nd/3rd century AD.

'What we all felt to be mind-blowing was the fact that we were the first people to touch items that were last touched by a Roman, almost 2000 years ago.'

All children at the school visit the dig site, with children from Year 2 reporting on their work and the nursery also being shown the items.

Mrs Cole said: 'I have been delighted to see how the dig has inspired the children, given us a great start to the academic year as well as forming links with NAU too.'

Lilly Hodges will return to the school to give an assembly to parents and children about their finds, while it is also hoped that an after-school class will be set up to continue the children's interest in the subject.

Is your school putting on some lessons with a difference? Contact Local Life editor Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk