THE popularity of the open days at the excavation site behind Darlington town hall has led to the council organising extra tours.

The archaeological works are now almost finished following a ten-week excavation which has seen the removal of many finds from the site.

More than 140 people attended open days of the excavations and due to the level of interest, further sessions have been arranged for this Saturday (November 23).

These will take the form of a talk about the site’s heritage and significance and an overview of the archaeological works, followed by an opportunity to visit the site and view many of the finds and stone works extracted.

There will be two sessions, at 10am and 11:30am, starting at Committee Room 3 in the town hall.

Research undertaken by archaeologists has shown that the medieval manor house of the bishops of Durham stood on the site from the 12th century to the early 19th century when it was replaced by Darlington’s first purpose built poor house.

Booking a tour place is advised to avoid disappointment. Contact 01325-388-669 or email planning.projects@darlington.gov.uk