PUPILS from Year 3 at Stowford Primary School in Ivybridge had the chance to travel back in time to Roman Britain.

The children spent a day exploring the Roman invasion and its impact on Iron Age life.

The pupils were given the choice of whether to join the invading Roman empire, or to fight them.

Oly Martin, from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, played the part of a soldier from the Roman Garrison in Exeter.

Playing the part of a Devon tribe, the children had a visit from the invading Romans to give them the options, and they were then challenged to explain why they had made the decisions they had.

They then had the opportunity to examine artefacts and replicas from the British-Romano period, before joining the Roman army for an afternoon of training.

Year 3 teacher, Brad Farnham said: ‘It was a fantastic day and the children embraced the role-play whole-heartedly.

‘They had the opportunity to try their hand at firing a bow and arrow and taste what Roman discipline was like.

‘It was really interesting to see how many children started the day adamant that they would fight the Romans, and ended the day wanting to work with them and make a treaty.

‘The costumes and shields were amazing and we would like to thank the parents for supporting the children and enabling them to make the most of this opportunity.’