WINCHESTER University students have been working alongside veterans to help them study archaeology.

Dubbed Heritage for Heroes, the project was developed in 2016 alongside Help for Heroes, and is aimed at British former service personnel.

It was conceived by Dr Paul Everill, senior lecturer in archaeology, and Giles Woodhouse, an archaeologist and retired senior army officer. This year's project saw staff and students work with veterans of conflicts in Georgia, Ukraine and Afghanistan.

"It has been an incredibly humbling experience to work alongside men with a range of physical and mental injuries, and to see them benefit from the experience," said Dr Everill.

"In some cases there seemed to be an improvement with each passing day, and the increasing good humour and 'banter' was often evident regardless of language barriers.

"They were all remarkable individuals. I have always found my own pleasure in archaeology, and am lucky to have made a career out of a subject I find so rewarding, but it is wonderful to be able to share it with people who are discovering the joy of the discipline, particularly in the camaraderie and teamwork of an excavation."

The veterans lived and worked alongside the staff and students over the course of month-long excavations in Nokalakevi – an historically important Eastern Roman site with defensive fortifications.

Veterans reported positive outcomes from their involvement, including the pleasure of new friendships and the lessening of symptoms relating to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Justin McKenzie-Smith, British Ambassador to Georgia and regular visitor to the team in Nokalakevi, said: "The bonds connecting the British and Georgian armed forces are at the heart of the special friendship between our two countries.

"Working together to support our veterans is a vital part of that relationship. I have been impressed - and moved - to see how this initiative supports the wellbeing of British, Georgian, Estonian and Ukrainian veterans, building new confidence and skills."