Students at more than 20 schools in the Bradford district are experiencing local history in a new way – thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The My Place Project, which is now in its second year, has offered educational heritage sessions to more than 1,000 school children in Bradford and Keighley.

The scheme included a month-long archaeological dig, in the grounds of Bolling Hall in Bradford and Cliffe Castle in Keighley, where schools and community members had the opportunity to uncover treasures hidden beneath the grounds of the historic sites.

The project, which has received the help of 90 volunteers, is being run by West Yorkshire Joint Services and supported by Bradford Museums and Galleries.

Bradford councillor Val Slater, chairman of the archives, archaeology and trading standards committee, said: “The success of the first year of the project really is testament to the young people’s work.

“These students have explored lots of different topics that directly relate to their communities and themselves. This will hopefully give them the confidence to explore these opportunities further.

“Projects such as My Place are where dreams and ambition begin. The enthusiasm and excitement from the students has already started to radiate into their communities, encouraging more young people to want to be a part of this great project.”