YOUNGSTERS got the chance to be archaeologists for a day when they visited a construction site.

Pupils from Boxted St Peter’s C of E Primary School toured the Morgan Sindall site at Cuckoo Farm, Colchester.

They got to excavate areas and helped the professionals uncover pre-buried tools, medals and trophies.

The youngsters also got to learn about how the site would have been used historically.

The artefacts were then cleaned and a prize awarded for the best archaeologist of the day.

Gavin Napper, Morgan Sindall’s area director, said: “The project team thoroughly enjoyed having the pupils on site and it was a great way for the team to interact with them.

“The children all enjoyed an educational day learning about archaeology and the importance of safety on a building site.

“We also received lots of wonderful safety posters from the pupils, which are now being prepared to be placed on the site’s hoardings, so all visitors can be educated in the importance of safety on site.”

Colchester’s first park-and-ride scheme is being developed at the site and is due to open next year.