VOLUNTEER and armchair archaeological diggers are invited to a talk on ‘The Ipplepen Dig’ on Wednesday, March 29.

Project director Professor Stephen Rippon, from the University of Exeter, will give an overview of the discoveries from 2016’s dig, including the chance to see some of the finds, and outline his plans for this year’s dig, which will take place from June 5 to 30. Potential volunteer diggers will also be able to apply to help.

Last year’s excavation in the village revealed a sequence of occupation stretching from the middle of the pre-Roman Iron Age, around 300 BC, through to the post-Roman period in the fifth century AD

A spokesman for the dig said: ‘Several circular roundhouses were excavated, along with a deep pit that may have been for storing grain, several possible wells, and a possible trackway.

‘Although most of the pottery from the Roman period was made locally, some of it came from as far afield as France, the Rhineland, and the Mediterranean.

‘Over the cold dark days of winter the university has been quietly working away on some of the finds, which Professor Rippon will discuss at the talk.’

After the presentation there will be a chance to apply to volunteer for this summer’s dig.

The spokesman added: ‘Diggers need to commit to a full week but we’re hoping it may be possible to harness the talents of some people who aren’t able to commit to a whole week but have previous experience or knowledge and would like to become involved.’