THE worlds of archaeology and gardening met at a fun event.

Dozens of children joined Tees archaeologist Robin Daniels at Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, on Sunday to take part in the excavation of a walled garden.

The park's Preston Museum was once a stately home, but the garden was lost more than 100 years ago.

A spokesman for Stockton Borough Council, which organised the event, said: "The idea was to encourage children to pick up a trowel and aid the ongoing excavation. So far, old pots, bricks, pipes and a toy lead soldier have been salvaged."

The youngsters were also given the chance to plant their own seeds and grow various plants at home.