A CHARITY working to reconstruct an Anglo-Saxon house in the Oxfordshire countryside has appealed for people to help out.

The Sylva Foundation has received funding to construct the 'House of Wessex' building near Long Wittenham and is now running a series of courses where people can get involved with construction.

In March, people will be able to learn about timber-framing, hurdle making and thatching, with their efforts actually helping to build the house.

Manager for the project, Lesley Best, said: “Income raised from the courses will also help us deliver the whole project, which includes a walking trail and a schools programme.

"Although most of the project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the charity is still required to provide a matching contribution.”

The House of Wessex project is celebrating the area's little-known Anglo-Saxon history which dates back to the birth of the kingdom of England itself.

The 18-month project, which runs until November 2019, aims to faithfully reconstruct a 7th century building with the help of the public and experts, using tools and materials accurate to the period.

For course dates see sylva.org.uk/wessex