People living in the Walmgate area of York are being invited to take part in a series of archaeological digs in the area.
The 'School Green' site, near Willow House in Walmgate, is believed to be the site of the Hope Street British School, and possibly the medieval church of St Peter-in-the-Willows.
York Archaeology began excavations at the site in summer 2024 as part of its training dig programme, which will continue this year.
Archaeologists now want to involve the community.
Laura Parker, community project officer, said: "During our Archaeology on Prescription research, participants identified that this space was potentially an archaeological hotspot, with historic documents pointing to the likelihood of an old school, and maybe the medieval church, hidden here.
"Whilst the bulk of the hard work excavating the site will be carried out by pupils involved in our WeDig training dig, we are hoping that people living in and around Walmgate will join us for drop-in sessions."
The sessions will run from Wednesday, July 30 to Sunday, August 3 and again from Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10, with funding provided by City of York Council.
York Archaeology wants to involve the community in its dig, and is also offering guided tours (Image: Supplied)
Residents will have the opportunity to take part in digging, washing, and recording finds.
Those wishing to participate can register by emailing takepart@yorkat.co.uk.
Additional weekend 'public engagement' events are planned, including guided tours of Walmgate and the excavation site.
Free tickets for the tours will be made available closer to the date.
Gareth Davies, director of archaeology for York Archaeology, said: "It is brilliant that we’re able to continue this kind of community engagement work so close to the site where we spent several years digging with Archaeology on Prescription.
"We know that there are people who have lived for decades in and around here, and their local knowledge is very much appreciated, alongside the willing hands of those who want to explore what lies beneath School Green for themselves."
Places are also available on the WeDig training dig for those seeking a more in-depth experience.
The opportunity is open to anyone aged 14 and over, though under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Options include taster days (£85 per person), one-week courses (£395), and two-week courses (£735).
WeDig sessions run Monday to Friday from June 23 to July 25.
For more details, visit community.yorkarchaeology.co.uk/training-digs/we-dig-york-2025/
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