ASPIRING archaeologists of all ages can step back through the centuries on a summertime search at a County Durham castle.

Excavations are taking place this month at 900-year-old Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, to uncover the footprint of the medieval fort now buried beneath the lawns.

The Auckland Project and Durham University are offering on-site tours of the dig on a drop-in basis from Monday to Friday until June 23, plus family sessions on June 16, 17 and 23.

John Castling, of The Auckland Project, said: “The tours and archaeology sessions offer a really unique opportunity for visitors to get right up to the trench edge.”

Booking is recommended for weekend sessions via education@aucklandproject.org.

For more details visit aucklandproject.org