SCHOOLCHILDREN enjoyed a trip back in time in a visit to the Old Sun Inn in Ipswich Buttermarket.A lute player and medieval costumes brought history back to life as pupils from Springfield Junior School explored photographs and memorabilia dating back almost 400 years.

SCHOOLCHILDREN enjoyed a trip back in time in a visit to the Old Sun Inn in Ipswich Buttermarket.

A lute player and medieval costumes brought history back to life as pupils from Springfield Junior School explored photographs and memorabilia dating back almost 400 years.

George Manoulia, nine, said: "It was really interesting. I liked the skull best!"

The building, previously an antiques shop, opened its doors for the first time since 1998 as part of the 'Hidden Treasures of the Buttermarket' exhibition which has been running for the past fortnight.

The event, in aid of the St Elizabeth Hospice, has seen a variety of ancient artefacts on display at venues around the Buttermarket. A total of £2,339 was raised through collections at the various sites.

Doug Atfield, owner of the building, said: "It has been a lovely morning and the children have really enjoyed it. The music really added to the atmosphere.

"The exhibition has been really well received. We must have had more than 1,000 visitors through the doors."