The Mechanics’ Institution Trust’s Young Roots project kicked off with a train journey to the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre at Chippenham.

Keen youngsters explored documents and photos which record Swindon’s cultural scene from years past.

Becca Lewis, the project's arts and Heritage Co-ordinator, said: “It's been so great to welcome the young people to the project and to take them on a guided tour of the Railway Village, including a special visit to the Railway Village Museum.

“We also got to take part in heritage research skills training to prepare us for the rest of the project”.

The project’s participants will have the chance to re-tell the story in their own words and images over the coming weeks, with film, drama, visual art and design specialists helping them shape their take on the past.

People can follow the progress of the four-week project on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by searching the hashtag #SharingSwindonsStory.

Hannah Parry, Community Projects Manager for the Mechanics' Institution Trust, said: “On Monday, a second group of young people will be joining the project and there are still a few spaces left.

“We're really keen to fill the spaces as we want as many local young people as possible to benefit from this fantastic one-off opportunity.

“We'd especially encourage 15-to-17 year olds to take part as we think they would really enjoy and benefit from the experience.”

The project will run to the end of the summer holidays and has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

All expenses are covered.