Ref. 28671-71Budding archaeologists from across the county gathered in Swindon to learn about treasures from the past.

Some 15 youngsters attended a two-hour look and learn session at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, in Bath Road.

Alex Thomson, 15, of Woolford Grange, Wootton Bassett, said he enjoyed learning about the past.

Alex, who attends Wootton Basset School, said: "I had my first find when I was about four. It was a fossil. I also found some Tudor pottery when I was six. I've still got it at home. I think archaeology is very interesting."

His sister, 12-year-old Sarah, who is also a pupil at Wootton Bassett School, said: "One of my most special finds was a brooch I discovered last year.

"I was on a training dig in Essex.

"The brooch was small and looked a bit like a paper clip. I enjoy coming to these events because you learn new skills."

As well as being able to handle items such as stone axe-heads, coins and pottery, the children were also taught how to plot grid references, complete record sheets, identify objects and search for archaeological information on the internet.

Katie Hinds, 27, the finds liaison officer for the Portable Antiquity Scheme in Wiltshire, said a new website recording details of finds was proving to be popular.

Miss Hinds said: "The website is quite new but has already had almost 45,000 visits. It's a useful way for children to research school projects or homework, and to record finds they may make."

www.finds.org.uk