Young volunteers will be given the chance to find out what it was like to be a soldier in Roman times at the Corbridge Roman Site, near Hexham, throughout the bank holiday weekend.

From noon, Jeff "Jefficus" Barnett will equip young visitors to the site with replica weapons and armour on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Children will be drilled in formation marching and battle tactics, and Jefficus will explain what it was like to patrol Hadrian's Wall.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "Their armour would rust and, when travelling, they became caked in dust.

In winter they wore layers and layers of clothing and hobnailed boots to keep them warm during long, tedious hours of guard duty."

Admission prices for the attraction are £3.10 for adults, £2.40 for concessions and £1.70 for children. Entry for under fives and English Heritage members is free.