YOUNGSTERS at a York primary school have been getting their hands on history.

Pupils at St Oswald's Primary School in Fulford have been lucky enough to see some of the archaeological finds thrown up as the foundations for a new school building are being laid.

St Oswald's is one of four schools in York being rebuilt under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme.

Archaeologists from Malton-based MAP Archaeological Consultancy Ltd have been showing youngsters some of the Roman and Iron Age objects they have found by sifting through after the diggers.

Deputy head Malcolm Murphy said the youngsters have thoroughly enjoyed being shown round.

He said: "This has been a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience archaeology first hand rather than looking at history books.

"I think the best part for many of them has been the thought that a piece of pottery or glass they are holding was last touched by somebody 2,000 years ago."

Mark Stephens, from MAP, said they believe the site was a farmstead in Roman times, and finds so far have included fragments of Roman glass and pottery.

The site will be open to members of the public from 10.30am to 3pm today.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, January 29, 2005