HISTORY has come alive in a Worcestershire village as a local heritage project continues to surpass all expectations.

Residents in the sleepy village of Wichenford think they could be standing on the remains of an ancient settlement that could date back to Roman or even Neolithic times.

Their discoveries have grabbed the attention of Worcestershire County Council's archaeology department, which is currently investigating the site.

The project has gone from strength-to-strength since Wichenford residents applied to the Countryside Agency's Local Heritage Initiative for a grant to fund a book about the area.

They were told grants were not given for books alone, but could be provided if heritage work was carried out as well.

A total of 60 members of the village duly formed the Wichenford Local Heritage Group and set about exploring their gardens and the surrounding areas.

Their unearthing of mediaeval remains prompted the council's archaeology department to become involved - and its aerial photographs suggest the area could be holding even more historical secrets.

The group's book, Wichenford Village Record 2000, was launched last Thursday. But the highlight of the launch was an appearance by council archaeologist Neil Lockett, who revealed that the site could date back to the Neolithic - or late Stone Age - period.

Mr Lockett said they had found a double ditch in one field, which suggested it may be a site from the prehistoric period. An ancient hunting park has also been discovered.

"We've worked on sites from this period, and this one appears to be of prehistoric to Roman date," he said.

"It's just a guess at the moment, but it's a well-educated guess."

Heritage Group member Professor Mervyn Mitchard, who found a Neolithic flint arrowhead in the village, said everyone was very excited about the findings.

"This is a backwater where time has passed us by," he said. "It's very surprising what has emerged."