A YOUNG North Cornwall archaeologist donned a white lab coat and gloves alongside experts to help conserve Roman artefacts.
Brandon Turner, 11, from Egloskerry was tasked with preparing some of the artefacts for display in Colchester's Castle Museum, which is currently being redeveloped.
Brandon Turner, a member of the Young Archaeologists' Club (YAC), entered a competition in YAC's subscription magazine, Young Archaeologist, in order to win the unique opportunity.
He completed the sentence "I would really like to work with the conservators at Colchester Castle Museum because …."
Brandon explained: My sentence said 'I really, really like history and I would die to examine some genuine Roman artefacts, plus I think I would learn a lot and it would help me with my dream of becoming an archaeologist'." His day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum stores, where he was able to look at – and handle – a range of objects including a Roman helmet, Saxon swords, and Roman and medieval pottery.
He described his day as: "Great, perfect, fun and a chance in a lifetime."
Nicky Milsted, from the Young Archaeologists' Club, said: "Brandon had a thoroughly fantastic time with the team from Colchester Museum Resource Centre and was thrilled to get a chance to experience the real work of conservators and museum archaeologists.
"This type of opportunity is completely unique and we could not have provided it for a YAC member like Brandon without the superb support of the museum staff. Brandon's enthusiasm was infectious, and I really think that he will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
