BUDDING archaeologists rolled up their sleeves to get stuck in to some hands-on activities at Stonehenge over the half term holidays.

The Awesome Archaeology event ran from February 16-24 and gave young visitors the opportunity to join experts to to find treasure buried in a special outdoor excavation trench.

The director of Stonehenge Kate Davis said: “We were thrilled to see so many families enjoying Awesome Archaeology at Stonehenge at half term.

“It would be nice to think we inspired a new generation of children to become archaeologists as they dug for bones in our excavation trench and then had a go at some forensic reconstruction, learning how we use science to reveal faces from the past.”

Facial reconstruction experts were also on site and able to show visitors how to use any evidence they find to discover what ancestors may have looked like thousands of years ago.

As well as digging for artefacts, visitors got the chance to learn more about the people behind the creation of Stonehenge and how they lived each day during the Neolithic Age

Jennifer Davies, the head of historic properties at Stonehenge added: “Our Awesome Archaeology event was attended by hundreds of happy families last week.

“We welcomed many budding archaeologists who had great fun excavating the sandpits for exciting finds.

“The facial reconstruction activity using plasticine was a particular favourite.”

Stonehenge will be hosting a range of events and activities over Easter to encourage visitors to get hands on with history.

Rachel added: “We are now looking forward to our Hands on History events from April 6–28 with a series of activities planned throughout the Easter holidays which families and kids can get involved with including pot and jewellery making and the return of our very popular stone moving and raising activity.”

Visit english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge