Children got to meet a Roman soldier and find out about life in the Roman army at Artyology Club, a new holiday venture launched by two Ilkley friends.

David Bartlett, of the Friends of the Manor House, came along dressed in Roman armour and was one of the highlights of the two-day event held at the Nell Bank Centre, Denton Road, Ilkley.

Artyology Club, run by art teacher Lisbet Redman and archaeologist Pippa Rochford, was attended by more than 60 children from eight local primary schools who had booked onto the Viking and Roman days.

The seven to 11-year-olds enjoyed crafting Viking shields, brooches, Roman mosaics and clay lamps as well as conducting their own archaeological excavations, digging up artefacts and making rubbings of the Roman and Viking coins.

They also got to play in the Nell Bank Adventure Playground.

The event organisers say Artyology is a new concept combining both art and archaeology into one course.

They wanted to provide something that was both fun and educational for children to do in the holidays, and felt Nell Bank was the perfect venue.

It is hoped that Artyology Club will be running more sessions at Nell Bank during holiday periods.