ARMY servicemen and women trying to adjust to civilian life are doing so with some archaeological help.

Operation Nightingale is a unique programme in which the MoD's Defence Archaeology Group is joining forces with the University of York to give physically or psychologically injured veterans the chance to join an archaeological dig.

This week, about 20 veterans, alongside York students, are taking part in a dig at the Roman fort and settlement at Orchard Fields in Old Malton.

Steve Roskams, senior lecturer in archaeology and the University of York, said the veterans don't just bring practical skills, they also have a different perspective.

"The sorts of issues we want to explore - like how do military communities relate to local civilian communities - they bring their experience and understanding to that," he said.

"Some of them are veterans, some are transitioning out of the army into civilian life, some are still in the army. They're kind of finding a way back into society in general."

The Operation Nightingale programme has been running for about five years.

Thomas Spence, trench supervisor, served in the Falklands in the parachute regiment, and in Kosovo.

He said: "What we always find is, because it is veterans, we get back into the dark humour, we back back into that camaraderie while we're here. Everyone gels together as a team, which is the most important thing.

"It is very much about the comradeship, it's about getting people back into outdoor environments, utilising skills they have used before."

Thomas Hunter, a physical training instructor and boxer who was in the army for 10 years, said: "This is my second day digging. I'm getting used to it. Being in the army, you live in trenches anyway.

"It's a nice idea to do this - they were finding Roman coins and pottery, so we're doing really well."

Anny Penso, a retired US army soldier from Florida who has been deployed several times, has a background in archaeology but this is her first time on an English dig.

She said: "It's physically challenging but I absolutely love it. I learn so much every day about how to actually work in the field.

"It gives purpose and provides that continuity of history. I love working with the students and the British Military veterans - I'm learning from all of them."

Mr Roskams added: "There's a good record from Operation Nightingale of people who have gone on to study archaeology at university, but that's not really the objective.

"The objective is to give them a flavour of the work and an engagement with teamwork, being in the open, working together and exploring and discovering the past."