SCHOOLCHILDREN have taken a step back in time to learn what life was like 2,000 years ago in the Iron Age. Around 40 youngsters attended a three day camp in woodland near Claydon where they built their own thatched round house and learned how to fend for themselves, forage for food and use cooking pits and a bread oven.

SCHOOLCHILDREN have taken a step back in time to learn what life was like 2,000 years ago in the Iron Age.

Around 40 youngsters attended a three day camp in woodland near Claydon where they built their own thatched round house and learned how to fend for themselves, forage for food and use cooking pits and a bread oven.

The budding archaeologists, aged 14-16 from Claydon and Thurleston high schools, also learned about butchery, bread-making and the diet of their ancestors.

Potter Beryl Hines, who has worked with Channel 4's Time Team, helped to build a kiln using plans and photographs of one which was excavated nearby last year.

The camp, run by Suffolk County Council, is part of the “Unlocking the Potential” project, aimed at helping youngsters discover more about their history, culture and heritage through hands-on activities.

Lisa Chambers, portfolio holder for economic and cultural development, was on hand at the camp on Thursday to see how the students were getting on.

She said: “This is a great project which really brings history to life. These young people are not only learning about their ancestors but are also experiencing what it was like to live in the past.”