ORGANISERS of the Wiltshire Archaeology Festival say the study of ancient finds has captured the public's imagination.

Throughout this week a series of exhibitions, displays and talks are being held across Swindon and Wiltshire in a bid to introduce people to the county's archaeological record.

The week kicked off yesterday with a guided walking tour of North Meadow National Nature Reserve in Cricklade.

Katy Whitaker, chairman of the festival, said: "This year it's the 150th anniversary of the Wiltshire Archaeology and Natural History Society so we wanted to do something that would celebrate the archaeological heritage of Swindon and Wiltshire.

"All of the lectures and field trips are nearly fully booked, which is great because this is the first time we've done something like this."

Tonight the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is hosting a lecture by Andrew Fitzpatrick called The Amesbury Archer King of Stonehenge? from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, while the National Monuments Record in Churchward is holding a series of lectures throughout the week on archaeology-related subjects.

Tomorrow lecturer Bernard Thomason is hosting a talk called Modern Field Surveying Techniques from 11am to noon, while Mark Bowden will talk about Swindon's hill forts as part of a walking tour between 1pm and 4pm. And in the evening Bob Clarke will discuss the link between airfield and archaeology between 7pm and 8pm.

On Thursday Charlotte Riggs will give a guided tour around the Lawns Park between 7pm and 8pm.

For more information on events throughout the week call 01793 414833.