ITALIAN visitors are retracing the steps of their countrymen with a visit to Roman remains today.

Tourism students Elena Lioli and Giulia Bufalini are spending a week on work placement at Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum, in Wallsend, Newcastle, where they will welcome visitors to the attraction's annual Christmas art and craft fair.

The pair are keen to improve their English and put their skills to use. They are working on promotions for the fair, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 3.30pm.

Giulia said: "It is very exciting to work at a site founded 2,000 years ago by our ancestors. We are not only getting excellent work experience but we are learning about the history of the Romans in the North-East."