Estate to run ancient games for children in summer

People will be able to play giant versions of Connect Four among various other activities

Children can dig for fossils and learn hieroglyphics during a range of activities at a country estate in Lincolnshire.

Belton Estate, near Grantham, will run its Big Dig archaeology event from 19 July to 3 September.

Families will be able to dig for fossils in sand pits, turn teddies into Ancient Egyptians and mummies, and play hieroglyphics code games.

Lydia Wardingham, senior programming and partnerships officer at Belton, said the historical theme was inspired by the estate's former owners, the Brownlow family, who had a love of "travel and ancient objects".

She said: "Something we've heard from visitors is that they like to see the story of the estate reflected in what we do and we've really taken that to heart, making sure that we have a strong theme bringing our Big Dig activities together and linking back to the Brownlows."

Other activities on offer during the summer include craft sessions, where people will be able to paint rock scarab beetles, make Roman helmets, mosaics and coins, create Egyptian toilet roll figures and tin foil mummies, and have a go at cave finger painting.

There will also be giant versions of classic board games, such as Connect Four.

Yoga teacher Julie Robinson will run family yoga sessions, while a woodman will offer bushcraft workshops during the end of July and August.

As well as exploring the grounds of the estate and learning more about the Brownlow family history, outdoor film screenings will also take place throughout the summer.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices