East Anglia's Children's Hospices' trip to Sutton Hoo sees children turn archaeologist for a day

Nine children dug holes and pretended to be archaeologists for the day at a trip to Sutton Hoo on August 11.

The day trip was organised by East Anglia's Children's Hospices for children whose siblings were involved with the charity in some way.

All were either bereaved or had siblings admitted to The Treehouse, the charity's hospice in Ipswich.

Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, is the site of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial dating to the 6th and 7th centuries.

Archaeologists have been excavating it since 1938, when the site and its artefacts were first discovered.

It is also home to special habitats.

The first thing the children did when arriving at the site was meet a ranger, who showed them some of the bugs and wildlife that live in the woods.

They then took part in a sand archaeology activity, followed by a guided tour of the burial grounds, before climbing the steps to get a view of the site.

EACH groups and events coordinator Lucy Hynes said: "The staff couldn’t have been more generous and welcoming.

"After a whizz round the exhibition, the siblings were given a gorgeous treat box of cakes and biscuits and a goody bag full of things from Sutton Hoo."

They were also given free ice cream by the catering staff.

She added: "The children had a fabulous day and there were great conversations and connections among them all."

EACH often runs days for the sibling's of hospice patients during the school holidays.

Its hospices care for children with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and East Anglia.

It also provides support, wellbeing and activities for their families.