A BUDDING archaeologist yesterday joined a team digging into the Viking past of a stately home.

Ten-year-old Thomas Westley won the opportunity through a competition in the Young Archaeologist magazine. Thomas, from Cumbria, joined the excavators working at Castle Howard, near Malton, and will continue helping out at the site today.

The team is looking for the remains of the Viking village of Henderskelfe, which made way for the famous house and grounds.

Site director Stuart Noon is passionate about getting children involved. He said: "Actually digging the archaeology brings the past to life for young people. I'm delighted to have Thomas working with me. Children are the archaeologists of the future and the Young Archaeologists Club should be congratulated for giving young people these sort of opportunities."

The club is operated by the Council for British Archaeology for its members aged eight to 16.

It has more than 3,000 members and aims to encourage young people to show an interest in their local and national heritage.