PEOPLE in Hartlepool have another chance to join an archaeological dig exploring the history of their area.

The four-week excavation by Tees Archaeology will start on Monday at the edge of the Friarage Field sports field, on Hartlepool's Headland.

It will extend the area covered by last year's highly successful dig at the site, which uncovered the remains of an Anglo-Saxon monastery from the 7th Century.

The dig is supported by the North Hartlepool Partnership. It will be the last one to be organised by Tees Archaeology's three-year Community Archaeology Project on the Headland, which will end in the autumn.

Community archaeologist Mark Simmons said: "Last year's results were extremely exciting, and the remains of the foundations which we discovered revealed the mon-astery extended over a far larger site than was previously thought.

"This year we will be reopening the trench which we excavated last year, and extending it further eastwards. I am very optimistic it will reveal further traces of the monastery and hopefully give us new insight into the way the Anglo-Saxon community lived."

Some places are available for people to help in the dig. To be eligible they must live in the borough of Hartlepool and be over 17.

To take part in the excavation, call Mr Simmons on (01429) 523455.