Children at a north Wales school have the chance to watch history come to life as archaeologists dig up their playground in search of Roman artefacts.

Ysgol y Llys, in Prestatyn, stands on the site of a Roman settlement developed in the second century AD.

The children are constantly asking the workers whether they have found anything Headteacher Ann Jones

The whole of the grounds are a scheduled ancient monument, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Wales.

Now a team from the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust are digging up part of the school yard.

County archaeologist, Fiona Gale, said: "It is exciting for pupils to see the archaeologists at work, to find out something about the past and to try to picture Romans in the area.

"So far nothing of great significance has come to light.

"But, until you look, you never know," she said.

The work is taking place because of forthcoming plans to build a new hall, play area and car park near the school.

Many artefacts have been found in the area in the past, and the local authority is investigating in case more lie hidden on the site of the new development.

Their findings will then be passed on to Cadw, the Welsh ancient monuments body.

Long campaign

"The children are taking a great deal of interest in the work," said headteacher Ann Jones.

"They are constantly asking the workers whether they have found anything yet.

Pots and urns have been discovered nearby

"It is a great way of bringing history alive to them," she said.

"We have been campaigning long and hard to have the hall built and it was great to receive a grant to undertake the work.

"However we are a bit torn between wanting an important discovery to be made, yet also hoping it won't affect our plans too much."

A Roman bath house stands some 100 yards away from the school and remnants of a workshop making bronze brooches have also been found nearby.

In addition, pots from the Roman era have also been unearthed at various times.

The school was built in the 1930s before the site was protected for historical purposes.