A PROJECT to investigate a prehistoric settlement near Tadcaster is to receive a grant worth a total of £22,000.

The Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) grant is being made to the Boston Spa and District Community Archaeological Group, towards its work on a site on the edge of the village.

The grant will help the group continue its four-year study into the prehistoric "flint-knapping" and settlement site, which is rare for its lowland location and therefore important to the local community and the wider archaeological world.

Thanks to the grant from the LHI, which is run by the Countryside Agency, the group can now complete a geophysical survey to show where selective excavations, scientific testing and further investigations need to be focused.

It will also enable local schools and community groups to become involved in the investigations. In addition, the cash will enable an exhibition to be staged, a database and website be developed, and other promotional work undertaken.

LHI advisor Dawn Shelford said: "This project is an excellent example of how a local community group can work to investigate their local heritage."

She was keen to hear from other groups in the wider area who could benefit from such a grant.

Updated: 08:46 Tuesday, July 01, 2003