ANCIENT artefacts such as bones and flint axe-handles went under the microscope last week when a team of experts visited Rickmansworth.

Geologists and archaeologists from the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain (AHOB) project visited Three Rivers Museum as part of their quest to find out when the first humans reached the shores of the British Isles.

Mr Graham Williams, of Croxley Green, is a member of the Three Rivers Museum committee. He said of the visit: "It really gave us a clearer picture of what made Ricky tick in the past. It has been a real eye opener.

"It is a bit like taking a piece of jewellery for valuation. You always knew the item was worth something, but it gives you a clearer value of what it is you actually have."

The group examined artefacts which have been found in the Three Rivers area and used modern scientific techniques to determine the age and origin of pieces.

Of particular interest to the researchers was an axehead which dates back to the era of Julius Caesar.

The Three Rivers Museum is located at Basing House in Rickmansworth High Street. It is open to the public free of charge on weekdays between 2pm and 4pm and Saturdays between 10am and 4pm at Basing House.