AMATUER archaeologists are being urged to grab a spade and help uncover their town’s hidden history.

A new project in Accrington is calling for local volunteers to learn from the experts while investigating the remains of a 19th century mill owner’s home.

Plans are underway to transform the Plantation Mill area of Peel Park into a hive of activity this summer, with local people working together to dig, record, and survey, the site of the former Arden Hall.

The hall was built in 1846 for the Hargreaves family, who owned Plant-ation Mill and the Broad Oak Printworks, in Accrington.

It was demolished in 1948/49, but the footings still remain visible, preserving a direct link between Peel Park and one of the town’s biggest historical figures.

The scheme is being funded by Lancashire Environmental Fund as part of the regeneration of the park.

County Coun Michael Green, who oversees environment and planning, said: “The ongoing improvements to Peel Park present an exciting opportunity to explore a number of sites which could add to our historical understanding of the area.

“The idea of holding a community excavation is to give people a closer connection to the heritage in their own back yard and, at the same time, develop the capacity locally for further research to be carried out.

“I would encourage local people to take the opportunity to get involved.”

A three-week excavation will be led in July by Oxford Archaeology North, an independent archaeology practice and educational charity with extensive experience of working with volunteers.

They will be helped by a core group of up to 15 local volunteers who are available to give their time on weekdays throughout the excavation.

Open days will be held at weekends to encourage the wider public to go along and join in, and a ‘mini dig’ is planned for younger enthusiasts.

If you would like to find out more, or volunteer to help, visit www.lancashire. gov.uk and search for archaeology, email k.horsley@lancashire.gov.uk or call 07771 995615.