YOUNG history enthusiasts have been invited to a country estate to help with an archaeological dig.

Kiplin Hall, between Scorton and Northallerton, has welcomed 175 children aged four to 11 from five primary schools in the surrounding area to take part in the Charting Chipeling Project.

Archaeologist Jim Brightman, from Solstice Heritage, is leading the Charting Chipeling project, which has been facilitated by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £53,100.

The project - named after the 11th century name of Kiplin - will culminate next year with an exhibition about the history of the area, how the research was conducted and, hopefully, some interesting finds.

The children were digging in test pits were excited to find the surface of the road, which ran north to south through the estate before the current road was created in the late 18th century.

Pottery and prehistoric stone tools found in the test pits have been taken away for further examination.

For more information on the archaeological project visit www.chartingchipeling.co.uk.

The house and gardens are open to the public Sunday to Wednesday until the end of October. The gardens and tea room from 10am and the house from 2pm; all close at 5pm.