SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Somerset have explored themes linked to a real-life example of buried treasure.

The 18 coins in the South West Heritage Trust's Civil War coin hoard buried in Taunton in the 1640s were discovered in the town in 2014.

Ten schools are taking part in the museum’s annual Take One project, which uses collections to support pupils’ learning.

The children have explored the idea of money through the ages and what it was like to live during a time of rebellion.

During the Take One project, children have taken part in drama and re-enactment, hunted for treasure, explored mathematical problems, and made different types of coins.

An exhibition of their work will be on display at the Museum of Somerset on Saturday (June 24) as part of a Crazy Coins Family Fun Day.

The free event takes place between 11am and 4pm with a variety of coin related activities on offer.

Chloe Grant, learning officer with the South West Heritage Trust, said: “Teachers received a range of training and resources enabling them to develop projects that explore the coins from different perspectives across the primary curriculum.

"With everything from wall hangings to animations the artworks show the energy and enthusiasm the children have had for the project.”

Take One is part of a UK-wide learning programme, first developed by the National Gallery, to encourage museums and schools to use collections for cross-curricular learning.

Schools taking part in this year’s project include North Town Primary School, Parkfield Primary School, Staplegrove Church School, St George’s Catholic Primary School, Bishops Lydeard Church School, Milverton Community Primary School and West Monkton Primary School from Taunton Deane; Hamp Academy, Bridgwater; and St Benedict’s Junior School, Glastonbury.

The coins are on permanent display at the Museum at Somerset.