DIG that! York children have taken part in an archaeological investigation - in the grounds of their own school.

The dig, at St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic Primary School, off Monkgate, uncovered pottery, bones and other items dating back to medieval and Roman York.

The youngsters, who helped survey, sieve and wash the finds, were thrilled by their hands-on approach to local history.

"It has been fantastic for the children," said teacher Helena Lee, who came up with the idea. "They like the hands-on approach, and getting their fingers dirty."

Connor Lee, (no relation) who is aged eight, of The Groves, said: "I've enjoyed doing it. I found bits of bone and charcoal."

Mrs Lee said she had originally hoped the school could take part in a Big Dig organised by TV's Time Team this weekend, which will involve 1,000 little pits being dug all over the country, but St Wilfrid's didn't get a place in the project. "I was a bit dismayed," she said.

Then she contacted City Archaeologist John Oxley to see if a dig could take place anyway. He contacted newly-elected city councillor Martin Bartlett, who formerly worked for York Archaeological Trust, and keen amateur archaeologist Brian Luker, who has a daughter at the school - both members of the Hungate Community Trust Archaeology Group - to see if they could help.

The pit, dug on the site of a 19th century burial ground, avoided going too deep and uncovering the skeletons.

But after digging through a layer of top soil and hard core, the archaeologists found earth rich in historical artefacts, including Roman, medieval and 17th century pottery, clay pipes dating back to the 18th century and medieval animal bones.

The finds were back on display today, from 2pm to 4pm, as part of the school's fayre.

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, June 28, 2003