The Corpus Christi Catholic Primary pupils dug their way through the ages at a specially-arranged archaeological excavation.

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Their efforts centred on the site of a long-vanished fruit and veg garden, designed by famed 18th century landscape architect Capability Brown.

And the children were delighted to get their hands dirty.

Gabrielle Kershaw, 10, said: "It's cool – there's no mud when we go on normal school trips.

"It's good to be able to touch things rather than just look at them."
Corpus Christi's assistant headteacher, Pat Bailes, said the pupils found the dig fascinating.

She said: "They won't stop talking about it. It's great for them to see another side to Temple Newsam."

The excavation was organised by the West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS), Leeds City Council's parks and countryside rangers department and the Portable Antiquities voluntary scheme.

Further expert advice for the children came from members of the South Leeds Archaeology group.

Items expected to be unearthed included metal waste, pottery and animal bones – some possibly dating back thousands of years.

The youngsters were also warned, however, that they might find nothing.

Dave Weldrake, education and outreach co-ordinator with WYAAS, said: "It's real archaeology – there's no fakery. I think this is a good way for children to do something productive which could give them an enthusiasm for history."