Hundreds of Lincolnshire residents are set to take part in an archaeology dig starting this month.

Scores of Lincolnshire folk, including schoolchildren and members of the public, will be armed with trowels for the dig at Navenby.

The group has come together following an appeal in the Echo in March.

Organiser Pre-Construct Archaeology says the 28-day excavation starting on June 15 will centre on investigating the prehistoric forerunner to Roman Ermine Street.

Colin Palmer-Brown, senior partner at the Saxilby-based firm, organised the scheme in conjunction with a local housing development company.

He said: "What's most exciting is that the area has shown evidence of being developed much earlier than 2,000 years ago when the Romans were there – it could date as far back as neolithic times, some 6,000 years ago.

"Work over the years has thrown up as many questions as it has answered which is why the summer dig is so important and exciting."

The half-hectare site in Ermine Street is mid-way between Lincoln and Ancaster, both of which were Roman strongholds during the early Conquest of Britain.

The dig is expected to feature some human burials, as well as a multitude of finds such as pottery, animal bones and coins which will be used to help date the settlement.

The project is being backed by English Heritage in a bid to get more local people and amateur archaeologists interested in their local area.

Once all the finds have been documented a book will be created which will be sold in local shops.

For more on the Roman dig, see Tuesday's Echo.