A month-long excavation around Woodchurch CofE Primary School is set to take place this autumn as the school celebrates its 350th birthday.

A team of archaeologists will be supervising the community dig run by Big Heritage and are keen for volunteers to get involved.

Programme manager Dr Joanne Kirton said: “On the surface Woodchurch seems like a normal post-war council estate.

"But in fact there has been an important settlement in the area since at least the Norman Conquest.

“We are excited to be working with the community to explore and celebrate the heritage of this amazing place and hope lots of local people come along and volunteer.

“We have a range of different activities that will run throughout the project. You don’t have to get your hands dirty to get involved!”

The earliest reference to Woodchurch can be found in the Domesday Book of 1087 with the oldest building, Holy Cross Church, standing since the 12th century.

Assistant head teacher Laura Jones said: “We are so excited to be learning more about the history of our area, and the children have been inspired by the idea of learning about life as a Woodchurch pupil in the past.”

The project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has found many records in the school’s archives recording important events taking place in the village such as WW2 bombing raids.

To sign up or for more information visit http://bigheritage.co.uk/woodchurch-big-dig/