PEOPLE from all walks of life are getting their hands dirty at Worcester’s archaeological dig.

From teachers and university students to retired couples and history lovers, about 70 volunteers are working alongside professionals from Worcestershire County Council at the site in the Butts.

As well as playing a crucial part in uncovering Worcester’s past they are picking up essential archaeological skills.

Teacher Jane Mullaly took advantage of the school holiday to get involved.

She said: “You watch these shows like Time Team and think you know how it works, but it’s actually quite different. It’s much more user friendly.”

Guy Morgan, of Hay-on-Wye, is about to start a degree course in archaeology and landscape at the University of Worcester so took the opportunity to get some hands-on experience.

“We’re getting more involved than I anticipated,” he said.

“On my first day I turned up, they handed me a trowel and told me to start digging.

“Help is always available if there is something you’re not sure of. It’s a very comfortable environment. I would recommend it to anyone interested in archaeology or Worcester in general.”

The archaeological team is examining and recording the site, adjoining the Butts car park, before work starts on the new Worcester Library and History Centre. Artefacts unearthed so far include 2,000-year-old pottery and a King Charles II coin.

There is a Roman road running across the site and over the coming weeks it will be exposed for visitors to see. The site is open every day from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, October 12.

For more information on the dig, visit worcestershire. gov.uk/archaeology.