EXPERTS will be on hand to help the public dig into the past at an archaeology event next month.

Following the success of the event last year, the County Durham Archaeology Day will be staged again at County Hall, Durham, on Saturday March 9.

During the day, details will be given of discoveries made in the region, with updates on the latest research arising from ongoing excavations.

There will also be the chance to meet local archaeologists, both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.

Seven talks will take place across the day, covering various subjects and historical periods, with details of research at various local sites, including one dating from the Iron Age, at Great Chilton, to the Second World War prisoner-of-war camp, at Harperley, near Crook.

Other topics for discussion will be the progress of excavations at Binchester Roman fort, near Bishop Auckland, the Wheatley Hill ‘Village Atlas’ project, charting local places of historical interest, plus recent discoveries at the Lumley Forge, near Great Lumley.

A range of books on a wider historical and archaeological theme will also be available.

Stuart Timmiss, the county council’s head of planning and assets, said: “It’s a great opportunity for people to get involved, develop their knowledge and to share thoughts and experiences with the local archaeological organisations which will be present.”

Tickets are now available, with the £12 cost including a buffet lunch.

They can be ordered from Durham County Council’s archaeology section, via archaeology@durham.gov.uk, or by ringing 03000-267013.