Archaeologist's work recognised

Carenza Lewis was one of the origional stars of television's Time Team

A Cambridge University archaeologist has been shortlisted for an award for her educational work with young people.

A former star of television's Time Team Carenza Lewis, director of Access Cambridge Archaeology, is one of the candidates for the 2009 Marsh Award.

The award recognises and promotes high quality and engaging educational work carried out in the UK with people under the age of 18.

Ms Lewis is part of a project helping teenagers get involved in archaeology.

The six shortlisted candidates were announced by the Council for British Archaeology.

'Delighted by recognition'

Ms Lewis studied Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University before working as an archaeological investigator for the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.

From 1993 she was involved in Channel 4's Time Team programme.

After 15 years, Carenza left the show to work for Cambridge University.

At Cambridge, she has combined lectures in archaeology with the formation of an outreach programme which includes the Higher Education Field Academy.

The academy involves more than 500 teenagers, aged between 14 and 15, every year, giving young people the chance to take part in hands-on excavation of archaeological test pits.

Ms Lewis said: "I'm delighted that my work since leaving Time Team has been honoured in this way."

She said it was a great honour to be recognised for her work which aimed to inspire "young people's educational aspirations".

Access Cambridge Archaeology also offers Discovery Day Workshops - which gives younger children the chance to take part in various activities and learn more about archaeology and Cambridge University.

The winner of the award will be announced later this year.