WOULD-BE Lara Crofts or Indiana Joneses should be on red alert - for the first-ever live archaeology dig for youngsters in York.

The York Archaeological Trust, which is currently excavating an "extremely exciting" site in the city centre, is set to open the site up for young people, allowing them to get busy with the trowel and the fine tooth-comb in search of history's hidden treasures.

It will be first time ever that young people have been invited by the trust to take part in a day of genuine archaeology in the city.

Andrew Jones, the trust's head of education, said: "This will be a fantastic opportunity to do some real work on an extremely exciting site.

"We are finding all sorts of things there, stretching back across the different aeons of York life, so there should definitely be something fascinating to find."

The dig will take place at the St Leonard's excavation, next door to York library, on Tuesday, August 28. The trust has so far unearthed pottery and other treasures from many different eras, including York's medieval and Roman times.

"We have found over a metre and a half of medieval remains, as well as later stuff from Victorian times," said Andrew.

"We are now coming down to the Roman level, so there should be plenty there."

The idea was tried out during the summer with youngsters from Burnholme Community College and Headlands Primary School, in Haxby, but this will be the first "live" dig.

Youngsters will be able to book for a full day (£40 per child) or a half day (£20), and pre-booking is essential. The activities will include sieving earth for tiny precious finds, and cleaning and sorting pottery and other finds. Museum visits and other activities have also been planned. Older people are also welcome.

The day starts at 9.30am with an introduction and safety briefing. Parents may stay for all or part of the day, which will end at 4pm.

All activities will be supervised by trained personnel.

Wet weather activities have been lined up, but those coming along should wear old clothes, and shoes that they won't mind getting dirty. They should also bring a packed lunch.

Andrew added: "With younger children, we might recommend they stay just for the half day, but anyone who wants to stay for the whole day is welcome to.

"If you've got an eight-year-old who wants to spend the day finding out about the past, let them!"

For more details, or to book a place, contact Heather Dawson at the York Archaeological Trust at 13 Ogleforth, York YO1 7FG, or ring (01904) 663035.

Updated: 11:43 Wednesday, August 15, 2001