NINE pupils from Brecon High School launched a new publication, ‘A Line Through Time’ detailing the archaeological discoveries made during the installation of a gas pipeline 10 years ago, during a school assembly.

The pupils were joined by Nigel Blackamore, senior curator at Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery, who brought along a 4,000-year-old halberd which was one of the items unearthed.

The archaeological discoveries were made when a section of the Milford Haven to Brecon gas pipeline was installed across a section of the Brecon Beacons National Park in 2005-7.

The land has long since been returned to its natural state, but what was found during excavations while the pipeline was being laid can now begin to be shared.

Cotswold Archaeology was commissioned by the National Grid who laid the pipeline to write up the discoveries, making them accessible to local communities and school children. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s public engagement team, who worked with Cotswold Archaeology in producing the booklet, approached Brecon High School to offer them the opportunity to be the first school to engage with the findings. Pupils from years seven and eight worked with the authority’s staff to put together an informative presentation. The children who gave the presentation were Jenna Welch, Kelsey Bonnar, Jack Prytherch, Ryan Williams, Shauna Evans, Cerys Beckett, Dylan Rees, Gwenlian Kenchington and Charlie Harries.

Mr Blackamore, who was impressed by the pupils’ presentation, said: “The halberd, which is an early Bronze Age weapon, was found during one of the discovery digs at Trecastle.”

After thanking the museum and park authority, Brecon High School head Rob Broadbridge said: “Giving pupils the opportunity to learn about the history of the place in which they live and encouraging them to share those learnings has been a rewarding experience for all involved.”

Copies of ‘A Line Through Time: Archaeological Discoveries in the Brecon Beacons National Park during the Installation of the Milford Haven to Brecon Gas Pipeline’ can be obtained from the National Park Visitor Centre near Libanus; Craig y nos Country Park and the National Park head offices in Brecon.